Distance education is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy and andragogy, technology, and instructional systems design that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site" In other words, distance learning is the process of creating an educational experience of equal qualitative value for the learner to best suit their needs outside the classroom. Rather than attending courses in person, teachers and students may communicate at times of their own choosing by exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology that allows them to communicate in real time and through other online ways. Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason including the taking of examinations is considered to be a hybrid or blended course of study. This emerging technology is becoming widely used in universities and institutions around the globe. With the recent trend of technological advance, distance learning is becoming more recognized for its potential in providing individualized attention and communication with students internationally.



Online learning is the term applied for computer-enhanced learning. It is related to the field of advanced learning technology. It can be one good option for pursuing education for those who can't regularly attend the courses. You can attend the course from the place you live. Main advantage of online education is the flexibility of timing. One can get online education at bachelors, masters and Ph.D levels. However online degree courses in India are not so popular in India as they are in other advanced countries of the world. But it can be expected that things will soon change in favor of online education with further development of the Indian economy and large-scale computer penetration.