Distance learning refers to a specific kind of education in which students do not attend regular classes in any institution and sit before a teacher. It is therefore, entirely opposite to that of the customary educational system. In distance learning students may communicate with their teachers at their own ease through correspondence. The curriculum of distance learning is specially designed keeping in view the demands as well as problems of the students sitting far away from teachers where the traditional classroom activities are not possible. In distance learning, the students are provided couching and reading material at their own places and they need not attend classes at any institution regularly. The exams are usually conducted in form of written assignments prepared by the students on various subjects, as well as computer-based questionnaires, which the students solve sitting at home through Internet.


In 1840s, the introduction of postal service in Great Britain made distance learning possible. The poineers of distance learning were the Commercial correspondence colleges in Great Britain, which taught through correspondence the newly introduced Pitman’s concept of shorthand. With the passage of time the popularity of distance learning increased and the Universities in England included it into their eductaional programmes. In 1858, The University of London poineered distance leaning programme among univerities. This example was followed by many other institutions of the world and they started the similar programmes. The institutions running educational programmes through correspondence are usually captioned as Open Universities.


The induction of computer technology in the field of education has given a new introduction to distant learning. It is now called online education. There are a number of online education programmes available on Internet ranging form diploma courses to degree programmes. There are a number of online colleges, which specifically offer bachelor degrees in various disciplines. While online master degree programmes are also available particularly MBA degrees are the special feast for students.

The booming increase in population and lesser number of educational institutions may be regarded as the main reasons for the popularity of distant learning programmes. Furthermore we cannot even imagine living without education in the present age of science and technology. Hence education has become the top priority of every government around the globe. Through the distant learning programmes it has become possible to provide education to people living in remote and backward areas where the civic amenities of life are not available. Distant learning programmes are equally beneficial to those who by some reason cannot afford to attend any educational institution and want to improve their qualification.

There are a number of private and public instituions providing education through distance learning programmes. The credibility standards of the degrees by distance learning instituions vary. The value of the degrees by online education institutions and other Correspondence-conducted learning programmes depend on the repute of these institutions and the standard of education they follow. Some of the institutions offer highly accredited degrees while some are just fradulent diploma mills. Hence a careful observation is need while getting admission in any distance learning programme.