What distance learners need to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What is distance education? Distance education is instruction that occurs when the instructor and student are separated by distance or time, or both. A wide array of technologies are currently used to link the instructor and student. Courses are offered via videotape, broadcast television, ITFS (instructional television fixed service), microwave, satellite, interactive video, audio tapes, audioconferencing, CD-ROM, and, increasingly, computer networking—including e-mail, the Internet, and its World Wide Web. Recent advances in telecommunication technologies have radically altered the world of education, greatly increasing the choices and opportunities for consumers. Today, there are about 5 million distance learners in the U.S. But if you are considering studying at a distance via technology, you must make informed decisions. Some programs and courses that are offered are simply money-making schemes. It is your responsibility as a consumer to educate yourself about distance education. You need to be able to tell strong programs from weak ones and to identify those that would best meet your needs.

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