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 follows a row in which weekend students were told their courses had never been eligible for student finance and should instead have been classed as distance learning.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

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

The district was focused on the pandemic and distance learning.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 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