In today's information age, there are many alternatives to the traditional delivery of a college education. Learning is no longer confined to a traditional instructor armed with a textbook teaching within four walls of a university classroom.
Information resources are everywhere, separated from the student only by time and distance.
Distance education defines the process of connecting students wherever they are with these remote resources. At Illinois State University, distance education is any course or program that can be completed by a student without physically being present on campus. Distance education via the Internet makes use of Illinois State's connection to the World Wide Web. Internet distance education is characterized by online materials, courseware, and discussion groups, and may be delivered in an asynchronous mode. Examples of Internet courses at Illinois State are listed at Spring 2000 Internet Course Offerings .