Distance learning is the term used when the delivery of instruction involves the separation of student(s) and the instructor by time and/or space. Some forms of distance learning include correspondence, telecourses, online instruction, computer assisted instruction, and instructional delivery that relies upon satellite, cable, broadcast (TV or radio), the Internet, CD, DVD, or other technologies These mechanisms enable faculty to provide instruction other than in a scheduled, classroom, face-to-face experience. There are many terms for distance learning, including, but not limited to, distance education, flexible learning, distributed learning, and technology-mediated instruction. This brief describes: (1) Who enrolls in distance learning courses/programs; (2) how students benefit from online enrollment and course completion; (3) whether all of the universities in the State University System (SUS) offer distance learning courses/programs; (4) how many students earn credit via distance learning; (5) describes the Florida Distance Learning Consortium; and (6) presents the distance learning degrees and certificates by institution in the SUS. A table presents the student enrollment (headcount) in distance learning courses in the State University System of Florida. Two charts show the growth of E-Learning in the State University System of Florida and the percentage of total student headcount enrolled only in distance learning courses. Other charts show: (1) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Undergraduate BA/BS Degree Programs by Institution, February 2008; (2) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Master's Level Programs by Institution, February 2008; (3) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Doctoral Level Programs by Institution, February 2008; (4) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Certificate Programs by Institution, February 2008; (5) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Undergraduate Programs (Under Development) Programs by Institution, February 2008; (6) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Graduate Programs (Under Development) Programs by Institution and Level, February 2008; and (7) SUS Distance Learning Programs--Certificate Programs (Under Development) Programs by Institution, February 2008.
