Directory of Schools Celebrates National Distance Learning Week

This week, Directory of Schools joins educators, higher education officials and others in celebrating the milestones that have taken place in the field of distance-learning. Distance-learning's rise in popularity has been steady and notable. In the late 1800's, the first major distance-learning correspondence school opened; and years later, personal computers became common household staples. Computers propelled virtual education out of the realm of science fiction and into the realm of everyday reality for students all over the world.

Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) November 12, 2008 -- This week, Directory of Schools (http://www.directoryofschools.com) joins educators, higher education officials and others in celebrating the milestones that have taken place in the field of distance-learning. Established by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), National Distance Learning Week is being honored from November 10th-14th, 2008.

For 10 years, Directory of Schools has built a solid reputation in the education community by providing a safe web environment where potential students can browse its comprehensive database of traditional and online colleges, universities and vocational schools.

Distance-learning's rise in popularity has been steady and notable. In the late 1800's, the University of Chicago opened the first major distance-learning school, although courses were primarily taught by correspondence. Reliance on the postal service by students and teachers was necessary as homework assignments, exams and grades were traded back and forth through the mail.

Years later, when personal computers became common household staples, the University of Phoenix (http://www.directoryofschools.com/online-degrees/online-degrees.htm) was among those instrumental institutions of higher learning that helped to put distance education on the map. They utilized the strides in distance learning technology to target a neglected niche of students who needed much more flexibility in accessing a college education.

Those timely advances in e-learning technology were largely responsible for transporting online education out of the realm of science fiction and into the realm of everyday reality for students all over the world.

In the United States, more than 3.5 million college students now enjoy the flexibility of distance learning classes - according to the Sloan Consortium. Online degree programs are especially popular with career-oriented adult learners who work full-time and juggle family responsibilities.

Online students are able to study in a number of interesting and varied environments, but most study at home or at work. The basic tools necessary for this educational journey generally include a computer with modem and a high-speed Internet connection.

Distance-learning continues to transform the landscape of higher education and the lives of millions of students who continue to sing its praises.

About DirectoryofSchools.com

Since 1999, DirectoryofSchools.com has connected over 21,000,000 potential students to accredited online schools and e-learning information. We offer approximately 10,000 online degrees and professional certificate programs in almost 1,400 schools. DirectoryofSchools.com is committed to excellence in online education through partnerships with universities, colleges and trade schools. Our in-house verification process, which reviews accreditation or vocational industry standards relevant to each school, insures that partner schools are reputable. In addition, a comprehensive national Directory of United States High Schools is available on the DirectoryofSchools.com website, along with a Directory of U.S. Universities (http://www.directoryofschools.com/online-universities.htm), a Directory of U.S. Colleges and an informative Education Blog (http://blog.directoryofschools.com). Career-minded individuals need make only one cyber-stop for all of their distance learning needs.

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