Distance Education is a form of Online Learning; it is a separation of space and the possibility of time between the instructor and student. Statistics shows that 50% of peopled are uninformed. The objective of this article is to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not Distance Education is for you. The most important aspects of online interaction are its audiences, purpose and the objective of its interaction.

Online Learning is a partnership among instructor, student and the computer. It is also referred to as learning in a virtual classroom. The student participates in assignments, discussions and collaborates with the instructor and other students. The student do not go to the class, the class come to the student. The presenter must decide what medium is most appropriate. Distance Education has several medium options (such as mail, TV, etc). However, for Online Learning the computer is the appropriate tool.

The following are the minimum requirements needed:

• PC
• Printer
• ISP
• Telephone
• Email
• Word processor

A variation of technologies are used for delivery methods:

• Webcast
• Microphone
• Dynamic HTML
• Webpages
• Telephone
• VOIP (voice over the Internet)
• Chat
• IM News Groups
• Audio & Video Streaming
• Email

Do you learn best by Listening (auditory), Reading (visual), Doing (kinesthetic) seeing how thing are done or speaking/communicating? Knowing a little bit about your learning styles can also help you determine if Online Learning is for you.

Life styles play a big role in the success of online learners. Here is a list of traits that successful online students possess:

1. Motivated
2. Self-directed
3. Discipline
4. Able to use Email, Internet browser & Comfortable using computer
5. Independent
6. Like to read & write

Accreditation is very important. Accreditation is a nationally recognized process that establishes an instructor is able to provide instruction in a manner that is responsible and accountable with an appropriate level of understanding

More resources

Online learning assessment quiz

There are many forms of Distance Education

• Asynchronous (learning at a (Different Time & Different Place) Email
• Synchronous (learning at a Same Time, Different Place) Chat, Video Conferencing