distance learning
compound.compound. a way of studying where you learn from home using the internet or books instead of going to a school or university. You communicate with your teachers and classmates through emails, video calls, or online platforms.
compound. a method of education in which students and instructors are physically separated, typically relying on digital technology and correspondence to facilitate instruction and assessment.
She is doing a degree through distance learning while working full-time.
The university expanded its distance learning programs to allow international students to earn certifications without relocating.
While distance learning offers unparalleled flexibility for working professionals, it requires a high degree of self-discipline to navigate the lack of immediate, face-to-face peer interaction and structured classroom environments.
A compound formed from the noun distance and the gerund learning. The term appears in late 19th-century American educational contexts, predating the digital era to describe correspondence courses conducted via post.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often functions as a compound noun; frequently used with the verbs 'do', 'take', or 'offer'.
Last updated July 22, 2026