Academic Outreach and Distance Learning

Distance Learning FAQ's

What is distance learning or distance education?
Who needs DL?
What is the history of DL?

What is distance learning or distance education?

Distance Learning (DL), also known as Distance Education (DE), is simply learning from a distance, usually from home, or from a conveniently located off-campus site. DL allows adults to earn college credits, even entire degrees, without ever leaving home. DL makes use of the Internet, software, modems, TV stations, 2-way television using fiber optics, microwave, and digital phone lines, satellites, radio, ham radio, videocassette and audio tape, and the ever-popular mailbox, to deliver instruction.

DL also refers to on-campus classes where the professor is not physically present, but communicating with students at several sites simultaneously via television, modem, or some other electronic means. DL is part of all degree types, from the A.A. to the Ph.D., and is an option in most majors, and at hundreds of universities worldwide.

A broader definition of DL includes non-credit courses, workshops, seminars, and career credits like CEUs (continuing education credits). DL is for people who want to learn a new skill, or just pick up a few new ideas for the fun of learning. Additionally, DL is an exciting and growing part of public and private schools from elementary level through high school in many areas such as math, science, and languages. Shared courses offered via satellite, fiber optic cable and videocassette connect schools in the same town, or great distances apart.

Who needs DL?  

Adults do. In a hurry up, no time world, what could be more convenient and appealing than earning college credits on all degree levels from the comfort of your home (or a more centrally located place than a distant university)? Parents, caregivers, working adults, and all busy people find DL to be the perfect way to combine studies and living. Most DL students are mature adults over the age of 25.

People who prefer to study solo can do so with DL. People who enjoy group learning can find DL classes online.

People who live in remote areas, places where the weather can be extreme, and people who have disabilities that make commuting difficult, also turn to DL as the only practical way to earn college credits. Senior citizens who enjoy learning for the sheer joy of doing so may pursue DL courses without any degree in mind.

What is the history of DL?  

The history of DL goes back more than 100 years in Europe, Africa, and Asia. DL, or "external" degrees from quality institutions, also called Open universities, are well-accepted, and not uncommon. The innovative Open University, started in 1971 in the UK, has been copied around the world. Today, the largest DL student body in the world is part of UNISA, the University of South Africa, with more than 200,000 people enrolled worldwide.

In Australia, the University of Queensland offered an external degree program as early as the 1890's. New Zealand, as well, has offered DL options for more than a century. This is due, in part, to the sparse populations in some parts of these countries, and to the wide open expanses in Australia. Today, Australia's higher education system incorporates DL in many programs, and is considered a model for other nations.

In the United States, some schools offered courses through DL in the late 19th century. Columbia University offered DL options in the 1920's, and other schools offered courses by radio in the 1930's, and courses via television in the 1960's. However, DL remained a little-known means of earning a college degree throughout most of the 20th century.

Universities that are exclusively DL began appearing in the US, on both coasts, at about the same time, in the early 1970's. Among the pioneers, the state of New York gave us the "Regents External Degree Program," now called Regents College, an accredited school. The state of California produced California Western University, now called California Coast University, a state-approved institution.

Because DL is not yet well-understood in the US, there is a prejudice against DL degrees, even accredited ones. Some people believe DL is an inferior education. DL degrees are better accepted in some occupations than in others. This prejudice appears to be lessening as the facts of DL become known, and as such degrees grow in number.

Adapted from The Official alt.education.distance FAQ by Rita Laws, Ph.D. Used by permission.