Distance education or distance learning is a teaching method by which a student does not have to go to a school or any specific educational location to learn or gain knowledge, teacher and student is exchanging knowledge thru the use of electronic media or any type of technology that allows communication at the actual time. Tutorial sessions do not require presence; however, it is required during examinations.

Distance education is the conveyance of knowledge from a far. The process is done by providing educational materials or sources to people who needs education. Teacher and students are not physically present but are interchanging thoughts thru the different modes of communication. The used mode are thru voice, video and printed data.

Students enrolled in distance education normally receive mail. In this mail, they may receive videos, audiotapes, and CD-ROMs and other written materials. These are used for exercises.

In many countries, televisions and radio programming are used as a mode of education. The most used mode of educations is the internet. Education materials are forwarded thru electronic mail, different websites, video conferencing and other broadband network connections.

They use educational animations for more convenient learning. They use high quality of educational materials not to compromise the quality of education they are giving.

Students may study fulltime or part-time. Most of the students go part-time. Most of the student chooses this because they are busy with other activities of life. It is also possible to do a research study.

This type of education is being offered at any level. Usually, it is given to university level studies. Low resistance program is somewhat related to this type of education. The only difference is that it requires a little amount of presence in a semester.

The program in distance education is called correspondence courses. Vocational education is the old term for it. Vocational programs are conducted thru mail. The term was soon replaced by the term distance education because of the high technology present today. The children living in the remote areas are the ones enrolled to this type of education.

University of South Africa is one of the oldest universities who have been offering distance education. They started offering distance education in 1946. In 1969, Open University in United Kingdom opened. This is the largest distance education university in history. In 1974, in Hagen, Germany, FernUniversit't was founded. Then, many distance education schools were built.

If you are a student, what are the things you need to do in order to be successful as an online student? The following are the things you need to learn:

? You must learn how to manage your time. Students who succeeded in distance education are very productive on time and are very responsible about their own learning.

? You also need to balance some of your personal obligations. Even if you take a part-time distance education, you still need to priorities your time to many things.

? Find the best environment for your study. Find a place for study that is disruption free. Learning is easy with noise.

? Feel free to ask questions - You can always direct inquiries to your teachers.

? Put effort in the studying. Remember that patient is a virtue. Always have time to study your lesson. Extra effort should be given for a successful distance studying.

Distance education is the easiest, more convenient way to gain knowledge. There are many universities and colleges available online. Go and have check.