"Distance learning"—also known as "distance education"—is a catch-all designation for any kind of educational relationship where the teacher and the student are separated geographically.
More and more colleges and universities are offering courses and even entire degree programs through various methods of distance learning. Following in the footsteps of Princeton and MIT, for instance, in late 2006, Yale University became the latest Ivy League college to offer some of its courses online. (The bad news is they can't be used as credit toward a degree. The good news is that the lecture videos, syllabi and transcripts for Yale's seven online courses can be downloaded for free.)
Although credits and degrees aren't available from these "old-school" schools (yet), there are many other accredited colleges that do award degrees for online study. Some have both physical campuses and an extensive distance education presence; some operate exclusively in cyberspace.
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Distance education can take many forms, and the methods of delivery have evolved in parallel with the evolution of technology. In the early 20th century, for instance, distance learning had its roots in correspondence courses delivered through the snail mail. The proliferation of television in the mid-20th century brought with it the concept of the "telecourse," as well as closed-circuit transmission of lectures to locations outside the studio or classroom. With the rise of cassette tapes, then CDs, for audio material, and videocassettes and DVDs for visual and multimedia material, distance learning became more prevalent and more detailed. Personal computers permitted the use of interactive software and CD-ROM materials that encompassed and surpassed previous knowledge delivery systems. And now that the Internet is so wide-spread, distance learning has flowered into its full potential. Delivering and accessing audio, video and printed course materials has never been faster or easier.
The advantages of "attending" college online are numerous. (See "What are the advantages of obtaining a degree online?") Chief among these is flexibility: you study when you want to, and at your own pace. Convenience, savings, and accelerated programs also count as benefits of an online degree program. And online courses can take advantage of computer skills you've already developed—or can help build skills which are transferable to any online operation.
Ever since it was practical to deliver educational materials to those who could not be present in a classroom, distance learning has fulfilled that need. In today's modern world, speed and convenience are high priorities in everyone's lives, and online education has risen to meet that challenge as well, while remaining true to the century-old spirit of distance learning: to better oneself through education.
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