Among the numerous definitions for distance learning, three in particular stand out. The first is provided by the Instructional Technology Council:

A second definition, this one from the International Association for Continuing Education & Training's website, suggests that “distance learning is a process through which knowledge and skills are acquired through distributed information and instruction.” Instead of meeting at a common place and time, learners and teachers interact using a variety of technologies, alone or in combination. These modes of interaction range from written correspondence ...