Distance education involves earning degrees or certificates without going to a campus or physically taking classes from a teacher. The most common type of distance learning programs is online distance education. The main difference between a correspondence program and an online program is that the course material is sent either by mail or courier in a correspondence program, while online education course materials are accessed via the Internet. Students are expected to meet certain academic prerequisites before they join an online course. In the last few years, there has been a tremendous growth in online college degree programs. Today, one can acquire a degree sitting in the comfort of his home, and choose from a wide-array of online degrees that are available.

The main requirement for a student to take online courses is computer literacy. Basic computer skills such as of word processing, e-mail and the ability to handle directory folders and files are also required because they are used regularly to communicate. Students joining online courses are expected to have a computer at home with an Internet connection. There are courses that demand the use of scanners, printers, CD-ROMs and additional software.

There are courses that require some specific software. It is advisable to read the details of the course before registration. Online adult education programs are also available in various disciplines. Online distance education can be every bit as challenging as regular education. And employers today are getting wiser and hipper to the idea that the Internet offers real education. Employers are hiring accordingly.