1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Distance Learning

Distance Learning 101

What is distance learning? How do I know if a school is legitimate? Can I take all of my classes online? How long will it take to earn a degree? How can I pay for it? Get the answers to these and all of your distance learning concerns at our Distance Learning 101 page.
Free About Distance Learning Newsletter
If you’re looking for ways to succeed in your virtual classes, need to find a distance learning program that fits your needs, or simply want to keep informed about the ever-changing world of online education, please subscribe to the free About Distance Learning Newsletter.
10 Reasons to Choose Online Education
Top 10 reasons why online education continues to grow in popularity.
What Does Research Say About Online Learning?
Online learning has made a major impact in the world of education. Recent studies show that online learning is an effective and reputable way to earn a college degree.
How Does an Online University Work?
If you’re new to the world of elearning, this article will walk you through the basics of online university programs.
Online Education 101
Online education is often preferred by professionals, parents, and students who need a flexible school schedule. This article will help you understand the basics of online education, recognize its benefits and drawbacks, and choose an online education program that fits your needs.
Distance Education Essentials
Distance education programs are more popular than ever. College and high school students now have hundreds of legitimate distance education schools to choose from. If you’re new to the idea of learning through distance education, here’s what you’ll need to know.
What You Need to Know About Online Degree Programs
Online degree programs have grown in number and reputation. Today, you can choose from thousands of accredited online degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
e-Learning Basics
e-Learning, or electronic learning, is any type of educational instruction that occurs through the internet.
Should Athletes be Banned from Online Classes
After being accused of offering excessively easy coursework to college-level athletes, Brigham Young University closed their independent study program to these sports stars altogether.
10 Ways to be a Successful Online Student
Successful online students have a few things in common. If you want to ace your assignments, thrive in classroom discussions, and overcome the challenges of virtual learning, give these ten tips a try.
Should Athletes be Banned from Online Classes?
Brigham Young University’s popular independent study courses are offered to everyone – except for college athletes. Critics argue that excluding one group is unfair and that the practice of exclusion will spread to other online programs.
Is Distance Learning Right for You?
Before you sign up to take online classes, check to see if you have the habits of highly successful distance learners.
Top 5 Distance Learning Myths
See the top 5 misconceptions about online learning dispelled.
10 Ways Earning an Online Degree Can Enrich Your Life
If you’re ever feeling discouraged with your distance learning courses, just consider the many ways earning an online degree can enrich your life.
10 Reasons to Earn an Online Degree in a Troubled Economy
When the economy is in trouble, many professionals turn to online learning. Here are ten reasons why earning an online degree is a smart way to deal with a recession.
How the College Opportunity and Affordability Act Affects You
The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 renews the Higher Education Act originally passed in 1965. It also includes several pieces of legislation that will affect online students.
10 Most Important Things You Can Do During Your First Week in an Online Class
The first week in an online class can be a little disorienting. New students must learn to navigate a virtual "classroom," interact with their peers and professors without actually seeing them face-to-face, and balance their assignments with their everyday lives. These ten tips can help you succeed in your online class from the moment you begin.
Online College Admissions – How to Be the Ideal Applicant
Applying to an online college can be particularly nerve-wracking. It can be difficult to know what your chosen program expects, especially if you don’t know anyone who has “attended” the virtual school. Here’s what many online colleges are looking for in their ideal applicant.
How to Request an Online College Recommendation Letter
Since most online schools do not require in-person interviews, admissions officials pay particular attention to the college recommendation letter. Your college recommendation letter will be used to evaluate your strengths and determine whether or not you’re a good fit for the school. This article will show you how to choose an effective writer and submit a persuasive college recommendation letter.
How to Write an Online College Admissions Essay
Since most online colleges do not require face-to-face interviews, the admissions essay is the primary way administrators get to know applicants. Here’s how to write an online college admissions essay that “wows” your audience.
How to Succeed as an Online Student
Stephen Gatlin, president of Gatlin Education Services, shares his tips for student success.
Accreditation
The most important step in choosing a school is making sure it has the right accreditation.
The 7 Mistakes Distance Learners Make
Navigating the distance learning world can be tricky. Online students must learn to dodge the shallow promises of disreputable schools, manage their work, and use their diplomas to their advantage. As you continue your journey through the maze of virtual learning, avoid these seven common mistakes of distance learners and save yourself some hassle.
Undergraduate Admissions Tests
Before you start your distance learning program, you’ll probably need to turn in an application, complete with transcripts and test scores. The most common admissions tests are the SAT and the ACT. The scores for these tests are used to determine whether or not a student will be a good fit for a particular college.
You Know You're an Online Student When...
Do you have the silly traits of many distance learners? You know you’re an online student when…
Distance Learning FAQs Index
Have questions? We have answers. Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about distance learning.

Explore Distance Learning

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Distance Learning
  4. Distance Learning 101

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.