As in traditional learning institutions, distance education has faculty, students, support staff and administrators.
Distant teachers depend on the written word as their classroom is devoid of visual cues from "live" students. Often the spontaneity of the real classroom is lost in the transformation despite telecommunication technology such as video conferencing and chat rooms.
In instructor-led learning courses there is a curriculum which has been developed by the instructor. This instructor conducts the class, provides assignments, answers questions, leads discussions and grades student assignments.
In instructor-facilitated learning students learn at their own pace through the course curriculum developed by the instructor and share their thoughts with other students through telecommunications technology. The instructor evaluates the assignments that the students initiate.
On-line learning enables the educator to reach a wider student audience with a multitude of lifestyles and locations. In addition, speakers and resources are available from outside the geographical location of the educational setting, which is not usually acceptable in the traditional learning environment.
Distance students require additional motivation, discipline and the ability to analyze and apply the information taught. On-line learning often reflects the open educational theories. Many distant students are older, with the demands of families and jobs that often conflict with the schedule and location of the traditional educational settings. These students aren't necessarily looking for the stereotypical educational social experience, but are in search of education as an end to a means. On-line learning enables them to study at the best program available, in the time and schedule they have. These students still meet fellow students and create professional relationships through e-mails and phone calls.
Distance students are usually more isolated than traditional students. There is less competition between students, because of the absence of the physical classroom that provides face-to-face contact. Some students may find this impersonal and be uncomfortable with the direct support from teachers. Distance learners must also be comfortable with technology as the conduit of their communication.
On-line educational institutions offer support staff to aid students with technical problems. Administrators are available as with any institution, aiding in the process of registration and academic needs. On-line colleges offer student services and conveniences such as financial aid, counseling and academic advising. The most successful institutions offer mentoring, librarians, and technical help on-line around the clock.
In reality, instructors find the on-line system astonishingly personal. The professor's style and personality is present as in the conventional classroom, but with the added intimacy of email, he becomes more like a private tutor.
On the down-side, even courses taught by well-meaning instructors encounter problems if there are too many students for the instructors to keep up with the e-mail traffic. With a class of 40 students, an instructor may receive more than 300 e-mails a day. Sometimes, it is humanly impossible for the teacher to keep up with such demands of distance learning.
