Future Potential National studies have not found a difference in the instructional outcomes between distance learning and traditional classroom instruction. Distance learning appears to be suitable across a broad spectrum of disciplines and levels of instruction. Distance learning has the potential to support degree completion. Distance learning has the potential to support short-term education needs. Distance learning has the potential to facilitate college-high school articulation.
Distance learning has the potential to deliver training to business sites.
For distance learning to reach its potential, functional specialization may have to occur. Market forces may lead to the unbundling of the various functions of teaching development, delivery, technology support, and assessment. Home access to PCs and the Internet is still not available in the majority of homes, but this is changing rapidly. Full-scale deployment of distance learning is hampered by a lack of funding for basic distance learning infrastructure, including course development resources, student services, and delivery technology. Adequate incentives for faculty to participate may be lacking.