Distance learning has been a growing trend in the last several years. With the popularity of the Internet, along with people living more fast-paced lives and valuing their time, distance learning has been a good way for many people to better their lives while still maintaining a schedule they are happy with.

Marcia L. Williams, Barbara G. Covington and Kenneth Paprock?s book, Distance Learning: The Essential Guide, is a great place for those who want more information on this topic to start. It covers every aspect of distance learning, from the history of the subject to the present day. While probably aimed more at teachers, even students can benefit from this fascinating study of distance learning throughout the years.

The book is separated into six chapters. The first chapter covers the history of distance learning and how developing technology has helped distance learning evolve into what it is today.

Chapter two analyzes the concepts that encompass the distance learning environment and uses several examples to back up the authors? findings and conclusions.

Chapter three discusses how to set up a distance learning network. Things taken into consideration include equipment, cost, and the advantages and disadvantages that can be found in the process.

Chapter four discusses the transition process, possible barriers of distance learning and how others have overcome these barriers in their own ways.

The discussion topic of chapter five is whether or not teaching from a distance is really that different from teaching in person. The authors claim that, while there are differences, there are even more prominent similarities.

The final chapter talks about the transformation of verbal communication to visual communication.

Distance Learning: The Essential Guide is clearly aimed more at people interested in teaching distance learning. However, it is an invaluable tool for students interested in distance learning, as they can develop a better understanding of what lies ahead of them, as well as what distance learning involves.

While it can be a dry read, Distance Learning: The Essential Guide is exactly what it says: an essential guide for anyone interested in all aspects of distance learning.

This book can be found online here.