They may even be out at a conference or other business commitment for a few days. One of the most effective forums for communications that overcomes many problems is to post course questions and answers on a bulletin board or electronic discussion forum on the Web. That way, one student's question benefits the whole group with the answer. Also, course forums can be accessed anytime, anywhere and can even easily be updated from out of town or anywhere there is Internet access. It is important for students to understand that instructors are not employed to provide a privately tutored class to each student.
Public education is predicated on a system of classroom-based efficiency.
In most cases however distance learning IS very cost effective, and with the right course design it can be a win-win for both students and the institution. By providing proactive information about the course content, assignments, and policies, and by providing flexible options for students, convenience and access are enhanced while costs are kept down. The information that should be provided to students is how often the instructor will be able to respond to questions and what the posted office hours, phone hours, chat-room hours or discussion forum postings will be. Follow the instructor's lead on the preferred method of contact. By the way, you should have an expectation of privacy, and should not expect your e-mail address, home address, course work, or other personal information to be distributed to others without your permission.