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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 doesn’t 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.

7. 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.

8. 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:

9. No Direct Contact with Faculty: There isn’t any fun if you don’t 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.

10. Lack of Discipline: Since you don’t 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 you’re 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.

11. 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 can’t be taught online or through
distance learning since practical classes, experiments etc. can’t possibly be
conducted over the internet! Some things, you’ve 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.

12. 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

13. 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