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Distance learning has been defined by the United States District
Learning Association as the acquisition of knowledge and skills
through mediated information and instruction. Distance learning
encompasses all technologies and supports the pursuit of life
long learning for all. Today distance learning is being used in
al most every area of education including primary, elementary,
and high school.
Distance learning is also being utilized for college,
university, and technical training as well as home school
education, continuing education, corporate training, military
and government training, and telemedicine.
Distance learning has undergone a phenomenal growth in the last
ten years, primarily because of the technology of high-speed
Internet combined with the upswing in home computer ownership.
Both technological advances have allowed Americans to access
distance learning programs and as we all know the laws of supply
and demand mean that where there is a need or an interest,
business will respond by making more of the needed product
available.
But the other main factor in the growth of distance learning is
the continuing and seemingly insatiable human quest for
knowledge. It's not just young people fresh out of high school
that are looking at distance learning to complete their
education through an online degree, but homemakers, veterans,
and even seniors as well. There is a desire of many Americans to
have the full American dream, live in peace and comfort, own
your own home, and get a college education.
Distance learning has grown as well because it works in both
helping people of all ages learn and comprehend even the most
technical subjects. Research has shown that distance learning
programs report similar effectiveness results as reported under
traditional instruction methods. In addition, research studies
have also pointed out that not only do students learn in
distance learning but that they are quite positive about the
experience itself.
Distance learning can be the sole training experience but many
teachers are using it as a support to their regular teaching
programs. They offer special courses and electronic field trips
for students to enhance their regular programs and to break the
monotony of sitting in a classroom every day of the week. They
also use distance learning to assist both rural and inner city
classes with student through enrichment, student courses, staff
development and in-service training for teachers and
administrators. In the field of higher education you can now
earn both undergraduate and advanced online degrees through
distance learning.
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