Long Distance Learning
Long distance learning makes it possible for a student to take courses offered outside of his or her city of residence. Before long distance learning, people had to either go to school in their hometown or move to their college of choice requiring them to pay for either on or off campus housing. The ability to study abroad or overseas was only possible for those who could afford to live in another country for as long as their education lasted. With long distance learning, people can take classes and earn their degree from any university offering distance education courses. Many colleges overseas can be accessed through long distance learning so students can earn a degree from another country through the internet. State universities and community colleges charge a higher out of state tuition for those students who attend their university but are residents of another state. Through private universities long distance learning programs, out of state tuition rates do not apply.
Long distance learning can be used to earn a degree, gain knowledge on a subject, or prepare for a college class. Carnegie Mellon University offers long distance learning degrees through the internet, CD-Rom and email. Some companies, like General Motors have partnered with Carnegie Mellon to create degree programs designed specifically for their employees. The General Motors partnership resulted in a masters program designed specifically for the information technology department and the coursework can be complete completely through long distance learning. For students who want to prepare to take a college level course, Carnegie Mellon created the Open Learning Initiative project. Students can take courses via the internet that are not for college credit but are designed to prepare students for courses such as Statistics, Logic, and Economics. These courses can be accessed by people who just want to learn more about these subjects or want to eventually take the courses for credit. Carnegie Mellon is just one example of a university where one can earn a degree without ever going to the on ground campus.