Introduction

Distance education is not a modern philosophy and is more a method of education. When there is a separation between the instructor and the student, usually due to geographical or time concerns, distance education occurs.

Often electronic means of communication such as using printed and mail material are used to bridge this gap and distribute educational material. These programs have been designed to help meet the needs and requirement of students who are seeking to learn outside the traditional class room.

Benefits of Distance Education:

Geographic Flexibility

It increases access to education for students who aren’t living near a school or who cannot afford the transportation to travel daily to school. It increases opportunity across the globe, so the students are not limited to choose a school based solely on its location.

Decreased Cost

Online learning is cost efficient, because students aren’t paying regular fee which also involves the expense of a brick and mortar building of a university campus. Because of flexibility with scheduling, teachers may be able to conduct more classes and can generate more revenue for the school without an increased charge to the student.

Time Flexibility

Distance-based learning compromises more flexibility to students in terms of time that how and when they can take classes. Students can choose when they do their work, and can attend classes through video-conferencing lectures at flexible times rather than following a set schedule.

Student Diversity

Distance learning enables students in any condition and from many walks of life to attend school. E.g. A critically ill student might attend his classes from his hospital bed, while a student with severe anxiety might be less intimidated by distance courses.