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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of distance learning

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

On the other hand, some children might have been incorrectly diagnosed and missed out on valuable learning in classrooms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

"Negative feedback can be difficult to accept, but it often provides the most valuable learning opportunities. Teaching people to embrace feedback -- even when it's critical -- could greatly enhance learning outcomes in many fields."

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2024

"Work was very hectic in the first few years. I couldn't look after my children. I missed family functions. But those days gave me a very valuable learning experience."

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2023

El Sereno Elementary School mother Teresa Aguilar, 38, was similarly disappointed that a school district still reeling from pandemic learning setbacks would put itself in a position to surrender “more valuable learning time.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2023

She thought too many tests were a waste of valuable learning time—my kind of teacher.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles