Attempting to identify and categorize the sheer array of available materials, technologies and delivery systems can be a daunting task for any educator interested in distance learning. At its most fundamental level, distance learning is an instructional delivery system that connects learners with educational resources.
Synchronous delivery denotes real-time participation of learners and teachers.
Asynchronous instruction does not require simultaneous participation of all students and instructors. Students do not need to be gathered together in the same or multiple locations at the same time. Rather, students may choose their own instructional timeframe and gather learning materials according to their schedules. Forms of asynchronous communication include e-mail, listservs, audiocassette courses, videotaped courses, correspondence courses and Internet courses. Distance educators now have a tremendous range of tools available for providing both synchronous and asynchronous learning modes.