A generation ago, distance learning conjured up images of remote locales, with stray learners here and there tuning in to a lecture. Now, though, online learning is increasing in popularity everywhere - the city, the burbs, and outlier areas.
Convenience is a big factor. Much online learning is asynchronous, so people can log in and crank out assignments whenever they wish. For people with busy schedules or odd hours, this may be the difference between furthering one's education or not. In many cases, the price is lower than traditional schooling - another powerful factor.
Recent experience has shown me that it is not only about convenience though - an online course may provide students with a better timetable for learning. Instead of spending a finite, predetermined amount of time on a topic, as one would in a live class, online students can accelerate or decelerate their pace, depending on various factors - complexity of the material, background knowledge, interest level.
In the last year, I have taken an online course and am currently facilitating a graduate course for educators online. These courses have been driven by content rather than technology, and the content has been relevant and comprehensive. I can't say these courses are better or worse than a live version would be, only that they are different. Overall, pursuing this line of learning has been a positive, and I am glad I was open to it.
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