The term ‘distance learning’ refers to the absence of physical proximity of the student and the instructor. The advances in technology combined with variable market conditions in the US, have made it important to obtain various educational degrees, which fall within the student’s budget. The numerous educational institutions have, thus, come up with the facility of distance learning programs to meet this need. In such programs the physical absence of the instructor is substituted by voice recorded instructions, video, databases, and printed materials to guide the students. Distance learning programs provide an opportunity to continue college learning. It helps to avoid time, distance, and physical disability constraints. It also helps to keep the employees of a workplace updated.
Common problems about distance learning programs are the questions regarding, the quality and amount of knowledge acquired through such a program. However, researches and surveys have confirmed that depending on, the instruction method, and study material quality, a distance learning program can be as good as a classroom interaction. Nevertheless, proper teacher-student and student-student interaction is necessary periodically. This interaction and feedback from the instructor can help in evaluating the student’s progress.
Various method of instruction are used by the institutes providing, distance learning programs. The most ideal program usually employs a combination of all the available techniques, according to the subject and need of the student. An effective distance-learning program focuses on the key topics to be covered in a particular subject and then employs the relevant technology though which it can be delivered best. However, it is a two-way process and both the teacher and the student’s efforts, dedication and initiatives, are required to make it most successful.
The technical staff, facilitators and the administrators also play an important role in making a distance-learning program successful. The fees of these courses may vary depending on the subject, course content, technologies used, duration, and the University. The list of distance learning courses offered by the various Institutes can be found on their websites, which contain all the other necessary details for enrollment in a particular course.