Distance Education (DE), distance learning or online learning, is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy, technology, and instructional systems design that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site". Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason including the taking of examinations is considered to be a hybrid or blended course of study.

Many teachers feel the opportunities offered by distance education outweigh the obstacles. In fact, instructors often comment that the focused preparation required by distance teaching improves their overall teaching and empathy for their students. Through Distance Education they can:

• Reach a wider student audience
• Provide opportunity to students who are unable to attend on-campus classes
• Involve outside speakers who would otherwise be unavailable
• Link students from different social, cultural, economic, and experiential backgrounds