Distance education, distance learning or D-Learning is a mode of delivering education and instruction, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional setting such as a classroom. Distance learning provides "access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.

The widespread use of computers and the internet have made distance learning easier and faster, and today virtual schools and virtual universities deliver full curricula online.

Although the expansion of the Internet blurs the boundaries, distance education technologies are divided into two modes of delivery: synchronous learning and asynchronous learning. In synchronous learning, all participants are "present" at the same time. In this regard, it resembles traditional classroom teaching methods despite the participants being located remotely. It requires a timetable to be organized. Web conferencing, video conferencing, and educational television, instructional televisions are examples of synchronous technology. In asynchronous learning, participants access course materials flexibly on their own schedules. Students are not required to be together at the same time. Mail correspondence, which is the oldest form of distance education, is an asynchronous delivery technology, as are message board forums, e-mail, video and audio recordings, print materials, voicemail and fax. Distance learning can also use interactive radio instruction (IRI), interactive audio instruction (IAI), online virtual worlds, digital games, webinars, and webcasts, all of which are referred to as eLearning.

Distance learning, also known as online education, is a viable option for many individuals of all ages who desire to get an education. It holds a number of pros and advantages over a traditional learning environment.

Choice: An online education provides the opportunity to study more subjects and reach out to programs that are not available in the immediate area.

Flexible: Distance learning is much more flexible than traditional styles of classroom education. Students who need to take other classes or work can do classwork whenever they have a free moment instead of being restricted to a rigid schedule.

Networking: Students who enrol in classes with online education obtain a wider range of networking opportunities. Instead of being limited to networking in the local area, distance learning enables students to make connections with a more diverse range of people.

Pace: Online education enables students to work at their own pace in many circumstances. The requirements are not as strict and typically give a range of due dates when the work needs to be submitted.

Scheduling: The schedules for distance learning are more open and allow for students, parents and professionals to take the classes whenever it fits into their schedule. This is beneficial over classroom education that requires students to schedule work and childcare around the class time.

Money: Online classes typically cost less than an education in a classroom environment. There are less space limitations and materials required for each student and the savings are passed on from the educational institution to each student.

Traveling: A huge advantage to getting an online education is that there is no need to travel to and from class every single day. Someone who doesnt drive or want to spend money on the costs of public transportation every single day will likely choose to get an online education over the traditional classroom.

Selection of Professors: Distance learning enables students to learn from some of the most prestigious professors and guest speakers in each field.

No classroom sitting: Sitting in the classroom is not the best way for every student to learn. A student may learn better at his own pace and in a different format than traditional schooling options offer.

Effective: Online classes are just as, if not more, effective at teaching students than the traditional classroom style of learning.

Distance learning may not be the ideal option for everyone but should be considered when looking at options.

Although sometimes considered to be the poorer cousin of regular college programmes, distance learning comes as a blessing to students who want to study further while continuing with jobs or who might not be able to attend a full-time course for various reasons.

The most frequent query from students is related to the confusion over the value of a distance learning programme. The answer to this totally depends on the student. Some students can make the most out of a distance learning programme, but there are also others who are not comfortable with this pattern. Here we will discuss the pros and cons of distance learning/ distance education programmes and helps you decide if you should go for it:

No Direct Contact with Faculty: There isnt any fun if you dont have a teacher you can make fun of! On a serious note, lack of personal interaction with teachers often affects the learning curve for some students. This is one major disadvantage of distance learning. Flipping through voluminous books with no mentor to guide you can be overwhelming for some students.

Overdependence on Technology: Some distance learning programmes especially online courses require access to internet. Unless you are comfortable with this medium, you will find studying and interacting with your faculty online difficult.

Lack of Discipline: Since you dont have a teacher standing on top of your head, reminding you of deadlines, asking for your assignments, there are chances that you will not take a distance learning programme seriously. You need to be mature and disciplined to take full advantage of a distance learning programme.

It can get Lonely: Even if youre in a virtual classroom that is full of students, the lack of personal interaction might make you feel detached and lonely. This can be solved as you get more comfortable with using the internet.

Not All Courses are Available/ Taught: Another major disadvantage of distance learning is that not all courses can be taught online. For example, subjects like Medicine and Engineering cant be taught online or through distance learning since practical classes, experiments etc. cant possibly be conducted over the internet! Some things, youve got to do yourself!

Not Valued by all Employers: No matter how good the university/college from where you pursued your distance learning programme, some employers will always prefer a candidate who has pursued a regular programme over you.

1. Indira Gandhi National Open University

2. Yashwantrao C. Maharashtra Open University

3. IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute

4. Sikkim Manipal University

5. University of Mumbai

6. Maulana Azad National Urdu University

7. Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University

8. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

9. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University

10. Annamalai University

11. Netaji Subhas Open University

12. Osmania University

13. Shivaji University

14. M.P. Bhoj (Open) University

15. Maharishi Dayanand University

16. University of Delhi

17. Acharya Nagarjuna University

18. SNDT - Women's University

19. Alagappa University

20. Andhra University