distance learning

American  

[dis-tuhns lur-ning] / ˈdɪs təns ˈlɜr nɪŋ /

noun

1. education in which students receive instruction over the internet, from a video, etc., instead of physically going to a school.

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distance learning British  

noun

1. a teaching system consisting of video, audio, and written material designed for a person to use in studying a subject at home

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Etymology

Origin of distance learning

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Some schools and universities had already moved their students to distance learning for the week, and city authorities have banned the entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

It also highlighted various reforms, including vocational education programmes, a digital university for distance learning, and improved healthcare through an online clinic.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

Pali High’s administration had to scramble to piece together a distance learning program.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

Enrollment Decline: Freshman enrollment dropped more than 5% from last year at American colleges and universities, the largest decline since 2020 when Covid-19 and distance learning upended higher education.

From New York Times • Nov. 17, 2024

He studied via distance learning over the TV, Tam Lin sent off the homework, it came back with excellent grades, and Celia praised Matt lavishly.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer