Introduction:

Distance learning or remote learning is the process of connecting learners with remote resources. It is defined as a planned teaching/learning experience that uses a wide spectrum of technologies to reach learners. It is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically present in the same location as the instructor. Distance learning uses communication technologies to stimulate lifelong learning. Many technologies are used, including video, audio, computer, audiographic, and print technologies. Many technologies can be included for one's system.

How is it used for the betterment in the quality of education?

In distance learning, there is no physical presence of the students or the instructor, and the communication takes place from many to many. High-quality educational opportunities can be provided using distance educational technology and new instructional media. The students can profit and learn from distance education and grow in self-confidence and esteem as they:

• become independent and self-existing learners
• achieve success in the curriculum, numerically
• acquire decision making, problem solving and critical thinking skills and
• develop self-discipline.

The quality of education can be improved with distance learning by following methods.

1. Sharing of Resource:
   Distance learning makes it possible for instructional resources at one school to be used to teach courses to students enrolled at other schools.
2. Improved Access to Instructors:
   Distance learning makes it possible to provide students at a given location with access to instructors and course offerings from several different schools. This gives students access to more instructors and courses.
3. Greater Access to Students:
   Through distance learning, students have access to instruction from more than one location, rather than only at the instructor's location. This makes the instruction accessible to more students.
4. Enhanced Curriculum:
   Through resource sharing and improved access, distance learning makes 'thin market' instruction feasible. Small colleges and school districts can offer more courses, and larger schools can augment their course offerings to provide access to information about development, availability and use of active learning techniques for teaching information systems topics.

Technologies and Applications:

Technology or combine technologies are used in complete distance learning. Depending upon the level of learner-instructor, technologies used in distance learning varies. The technologies have a direct impact on:

1. The number of sites supported
2. The instructional media supported
3. The nature of the interaction
4. The level of quality
5. Whether the system is private or public
6. Security and confidentiality

The technologies used in distance learning are:

1. Telephone Technology
   It is the simplest and most cost-effective distance learning technology. It can be as simple as telephone or as complex as microphone, cabling, audio mixers, and echo-canceling equipment. Applications:
   • Audioconferencing
   • Callback device
   • Voice Mail
   • Fax
   • Backup
2. Computer Technology
   Computer technology is an important element in distance learning. It provides to:
   • communicate
   • search for and retrieve educational resources from local/global Network
   • Access collaborative learning environments

   Applications:

   • Electronic mail or E-Mail
   • computer conferencing.
   • Online Courses
   • Computer-Based Training (CBT)
   • Grouper
3. Audiographic Technology
   In an audiographic environment, learners and instructors interact via audioconferencing and visual. A telephone is used for vocal interactive; a computer is used to share instructional materials and collaborative work.
4. Video Technology
   It is a new level of interactive to distance learning where learners and instructors can see each other. This may be One-way Broadcast Video in which video signals are transmitted in one direction from instruction to learners (ex. Satellite). The other is Two- way Interactive Video in which video and audio communication takes place in both directions between learners and instructors. This equipped with cameras, monitors, microphones.

   Some technologies that are typically used for video-based distance learning applications are: Broadcast TV, Instructional Television Fixed Site (ITFS), broadband cable, microwave, satellite, private fiber, public switched digital services, public telephone service public packet network services, the Internet

Role of distance Learning in Business and Industry:

In today's highly competitive global environment, business should have continual training via distance learning. This will make every employee active and the products will be knowledge products. The more the customers use these products, the more intelligent they will be. Lifelong learning and just-in-time knowledge must become important business strategies.

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