After experiencing a few growing pains, distance learning is coming into its own, much to the delight of both students and faculty alike.

For years now, distance education has received mixed reviews. Supporters frequently point to the pluses of flexibility, acceleration of programs, and freedom to learn anywhere that distance education allows. Equally vocal is the opposition, who says distance learning is impersonal and unequal to the traditional college experience.

Technological advances, greater availability and earned respect have all helped to change the perception of distance learning. Distance learners are now one of the fastest-growing degree-earning groups in the nation.

“Some adults may have been a little dubious about taking an online course in the past,” said Susan Scott, director of e-learning for the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications System. “It’s less strange now.”

According to an Eduventures study, about 350,000 students participate in distance education programs. These programs range from online certification programs to online Bachelor’s Degree programs to online graduate degree programs. And, more schools, colleges and universities are offering distance education courses in their curricula.

In his book Complete Book of Distance Learning Schools, Dr. Paul Edelson points to the rapid growth of distance learning as proof of its acceptance by students and faculty. “Both groups have discovered that the many positive features of the electronic classroom outweigh the negative effects of not physically meeting as a class.”

In fact, many online students believe that a distance education is superior to one received in the traditional classroom. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies at New York University promises just that to its students. “Students will actually receive more one-on-one interaction with professors than would be possible in a classroom setting,” according to program literature.

“One thing I’ve discovered with online classes is you can’t hide,” said Tom Nixon, coauthor of Bear’s Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning.

Dawn Lehew, distance MBA graduate from Colorado State University, believes the interaction she had with her classmates and professors was more than enough. “I felt that with e-mail and the conference calls, I was interacting a lot — sometimes more than I’d want,” she said.

Her program required group projects, multiple weekly postings and a weekly conference call between group members. “I don’t feel I missed anything by not driving to a classroom,” Lehew said.

While distance education is not a good fit for everyone, those who enjoy the freedom to learn at their own pace, the flexibility of doing homework at their convenience and more direct interaction with the professor should consider distance education a viable option. Click here to learn more about distance education programs.