There is a common myth that distance learning is some how inferior to
in-class learning. However, the quality of education can be quite high as
shown in Part I. In an online environment, the instructor takes a back
seat and students are empowered to learn on their own. While they can't
ask questions with live professors, the distance learning process gives
them the opportunity to independently solve their own issues and to discuss
their questions with other students. Multimedia such ad 3-D graphics and
flash animations as well as discussion groups and question and answer
interactivity help hold the student's attention and enhance learning
ability. Course materials on the Internet can include a number of
information sources and visualization techniques to enrich materials. And,
students can easily repeat materials that they have trouble grasping the
first time. Unlike classroom settings, materials can be customized to meet
the needs of individual students. Because online courses are more writing-
intensive than traditional classes, students learn how to write more
effectively through their experience. Finally, computer software
facilitates immediate and frequent feedback regarding the student's
Distance learning presents unprecedented flexibility described in Part
II. Students have access to a larger number of courses and instructors. A
student also has 24 x 7 access from any location including their own home.
They learn as their schedule permits and at their own pace. Some students
may not miss the oral reports or embarrassing dialogues in front of other
students. Time Savings (Part III) and Cost Savings (Part IV) are dramatic.
Students don't have to spend time commuting to and from class, often only
to find that their professor is sick. The ubiquity of distance learning
means that instruction is more affordable and the student no longer nee
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