Earning a degree these days is not constrained by location and time. With the advent of online distance learning, one has the option to earn undergraduate, post graduate and specialized degrees from a variety of well known and distinguished colleges and universities that provide such programs at very reasonable rates. One of the greatest things that the internet has given to us is the ability to communicate with each other at such an inexpensive rate. Communication is now possible from one continent to the other via electronic mail, electronic chat and video to video communication. Such tools provide online distance learning the ability to increase its scope and market to those who otherwise would not think of getting such an education. Before the days of the internet, there were institutions that offered degree programs via registered mail. The process was that these colleges would mail the student the necessary reading assignments and workload on a bi monthly basis. The student would then take on such reading and assignments and mail back their reports within the allotted time frame. Correspondence between the student and institution was static and done through written correspondences. Every once in a while, like once a semester, the student would be asked to go to that institution to do some reporting or meet up with the professor for consultation and mentoring. But more often than not, students enrolled in the program did not have the time to go to such campuses so there was hardly any interpersonal relationship between the professor and the student. These days, things are so much different. Online distance learning enables the student to communicate with the professor on a daily basis if needed through electronic mail. This establishes an online" mentoring" session between student and teacher. There are some courses that offer live video feeds of classes which the student can participate. Students can also post questions in such video feeds which can be answered by the professor. Communication between the student and the teacher is dynamic. This is important to the student so that any inquiries or questions about the subject may be answered. There is a somewhat interpersonal relationship between student and teacher. The rapport between these two people is instrumental in making the subject more vibrant and vivid. It peaks the interest of the student, and challenges the teacher to dig deeper on the subject. It is a mutual beneficial relationship that enables both to learn more. It is this process of learning that is important in any educational program: the ability to logically impart an idea with the flexibility to defend it.
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