What is Distance Learning
Distance Learning at one time meant study by correspondence, or what is now called "snail mail." As new technologies developed, distance instruction was delivered through such media as audiotape, videotape, radio and television broadcasting, and satellite transmission. Today, microcomputers, the Internet, and the World Wide Web are shaping the current generation of distance learning, and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and knowledge systems may be next.

Distance learning is a term which encompasses all learning that takes place at locations remote from the point of instruction. It is an option for beginning studies or continuation of study off-campus in locations via cable television, internet, satellite classes, videotapes, DVD/CD archives, correspondence courses, the internet, World Wide Web or by other means.

Typical audiences for earlier generations of distance education were adults often seeking advanced education and training at home, on the job, or in the military whose multiple responsibilities or physical circumstances prevented attendance at a traditional institution. Now anyone is potentially a distance learner, a concept that has implications for the organization of educational institutions and for teaching.

DISTANCE LEARNING AND THE INTERNET/INTRANET
Perhaps more than any other distance media; the Internet/Intranet and the Web help overcome the barriers of time and space in teaching and learning. Advantages of delivering distance learning on the Internet include the following:

1. Time and place flexibility
2. Potential to reach a global audience
3. No concern about compatibility of computer equipment and operating systems
4. Quick development time, compared to videos and CD-ROMs
5. Easy updating of content, as well as archival capabilities
6. Usually lower development and operating costs, compared to satellite broadcasting, for example

Carefully designed Internet/Intranet courses can enhance interactivity between instructors and learners and among learners. Equity is often mentioned as a benefit of online learning; the relative anonymity of computer communication has the potential to give voice to those reluctant to speak in face-to-face situations and to allow learner contributions to be judged on their own merit, unaffected by "any obvious visual cultural markers'". The medium also supports self-directed learning--computer conferencing requires learner motivation, self-discipline, and responsibility.