independent study. It is still a broadcast-related approach to teaching and doesn't give the student an opportunity to fully participate in the learning process. Telecourses are ideal for reaching thousands or millions of students who are motivated to learn. The drawback is the lack of interaction with instructors. The development of interactive television based on satellite and cable networks, and the development of interactive video have contributed to the development

Countries like the United States are leading the way in providing global access to advanced educational material. NASA's Digital Learning Network, in conjunction with the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), Discovery Education and Polycom are allowing middle school students around the globe to remotely visit and survey NASA space and research centers. Participating schools include those in developing nations like Mexico and India (Polycom 2008). One of the ways

391). This, Vindovich (2002) both acknowledges the difference between traditional and distance education and validates this type of education as having the same academics as traditional education. Although studying distance education in terms of quality and quality comparison with classroom education is valid, another approach to determining whether distance education is of the same quality as classroom education is up to the students. Programs and teachers can influence school quality, but

One of the most important is that distance education is not new. Although we now use computers and the Internet to accomplish the task, distance education began with correspondence. Thus, if we are to further the research regarding effective distance education, we must look, not simply for a description of types of distance education or a rehashing of history, but rather an innovation, like the computer and the Internet,

Distance education is much more popular today than it ever was in the past. The Internet has allowed people from all over the world to study at home and juggle their education around their careers and families. Because of that, more people are able to get the education they always wanted. That will allow them to move forward with their lives in more ways than just their finances. Is distance

Of course, technology is integral to the delivery of services for all three of these institutions. The Indira Gandhi school appears to be the least equipped with next-generation services and applications. However, the Indira Gandhi National Open University uses technology tools like video and audio materials to reach students without access to cutting edge technology. The African Virtual University relies on help from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for