Distance educationThe American education system has developed over the years a new way of providing education. Many colleges use this type of learning called distance learning. Distance learning is possible thanks to new advances and computer technologies. This new ideal learning has beneficial and negative attributes, raises the differences between classroom teaching and distance learning, the key players involved and the schools that offer this online teaching. This can be a valuable aspect for our society. The computer is one of the most important technologies in the world. Thanks to the invention of the computer, our society as a whole has changed enormously. We can simply access the Internet, which is a new technology, and send a letter to a person via email, instead of going to the post office, where your letter might not be delivered for a few days. These technologies have made life easier for everyone; especially for students. If they need to contact their instructor, they simply hop on the computer, access their email account, and write their instructor a message. The computer has specific programs, specially designed for a subject in class. For example, in the ISTC class, he offers a program called Blackboard. With this program, assignments can be given online, without meeting in person. Because computers are very high-tech these days, you can take college courses online and receive credit for it. Since the computer is becoming more and more advanced every day, students can access a virtual classroom to talk to their teacher and classmates. This virtual classroom is like a real classroom...... middle of paper ......E-Learning: Strategies for online teaching with media and engaged learning. International Journal of Distance EducationTechnologies, Vol 2, p. 17. Retrieved October 13, 2004 from Academic Search.5. Meyer, K. (2002). Quality in distance education. New York: Wiley Periodicals, Inc.6. Palloff, R. (2003). The virtual student. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.7. OnlineSaygin, C. (2004). A web-based programmable logic controller lab for manufacturing engineering training. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 24, 590. Accessed October 11, 2004, Academic Search.8. Twigg, Carol A. (March 1996). Is technology a miracle solution? Educom Review, Vol31, p. 28. Extracted October 16, 2004 from the ERIC/EBSCO.9 database. Willis, Barry. (1993). Distance learning: a practical guide. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.