The Internet and Web-based technologies have become a popular platform for the development and delivery of Distance Learning programs in an online class setting. Learning is the act or process of developing skill or knowledge. Modern, web-based learning and computing provides the means for fundamentally changing the way in which instruction is delivered to students.
The growth of the Internet in the world provides many opportunities to many people around the world in many different ways. When students are considered, the use of the Internet is mainly for business, information sharing, social and entertainment purposes. However, it is very obvious that the Internet provides not only social connection and businesses, but also academic and scientific information as well. Additionally, the Internet can be used as a tool to learn the latest news all around the world as well as getting any kind of information that serves different purposes such as learning more information about a hobby or health. Therefore, it can be said that the Internet is the source of spreading information quickly to a large audience and of going beyond the limitation of time and space. In the light of the above information, it is vitally important to encourage students to use this invaluable source to get any kind of information they need in their academic studies.
Distance education is the kind of education in which students may not always be physically present at a school. In other words, you learn, study, and qualify in your chosen subject online without having to attend an exam center, a college building, or university campus. The majority of distance education today takes place using the Internet, now readily accessible for the vast majority of students whether in their own homes or at facilities such as local libraries. These electronic means are used to distribute the learning material, keep students in touch with teachers, and provide access to communication between students. Of course, distance learning can use other technological formats as well including television, DVDs, teleconferencing, and printable material, but the immediacy and functionality of Web learning has made it a first choice for many distance learners.

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Online programs often take advantage of a number of emerging technologies to make keeping in touch and effectively communicating ideas easier and more efficient than ever before and students may find themselves using interactive videos, e-mail, and discussion boards to complete their lessons.

DISTANCE LEARNING

A method of studying in which lectures are broadcast or lessons are conducted by correspondence, without the student needing to attend a school or college. However, distance learning can also be called distance education, e-learning, or even online learning. This is a form of education in which the main elements include physical separation from teachers and students during instruction and the use of various technologies to facilitate student-teacher and student-student communication. It also involves a series of lectures supplemented by further reading materials, periodic tests, assignments and regular tutorials. The main difference is that is that all the activity takes place online.

THE INTERNET

The internet is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols. The Internet is also the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices.

INTERNET AND DISTANCE LEARNING

Distance learning or e-Learning exploits interactive technologies and communication systems to improve the learning experience. It has the potential to transform the way we teach and learn across the board. It can raise standards, and widen participation in lifelong learning. However, it cannot replace teachers and lecturers, but alongside existing methods it can enhance the quality and reach of their teaching, and reduce the time spent on administration. It can enable every learner to achieve his or her potential, and help to build an educational workforce empowered to change. It makes possible a truly ambitious education system for a future learning society.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INTERNET TO WORKING CLASS STUDENTS

The importance and relevance of distance learning to working class students cannot be overemphasized. However, it is very obvious that the Internet provides not only social connection and entertainment, but also academic and scientific information as well. Thus, it is vitally important to encourage students especially working class students to use this invaluable source to get any kind of information they need in their academic studies because the development of the Internet would be meaningless if it is not used appropriately in education. Therefore, new digital technologies have been widely involved in higher education institutions as well as other sections of the education system all over the world.
In addition, Internet use has the potential to improve the quality of education and also bring about numerous positive changes to teachers and instructors. The Internet enables also working class students to find information as well as allowing them to think critically and creatively, to become collaborative and cooperative workers and to solve problems.

CONCLUSION
Conclusively, in formal distance education, there is enormous potential for widening access to higher education and increasing the diversity of student population since online technologies provide opportunities to learn anywhere, anytime from anyone. New technologies facilitate greater collaboration, both with global partners and at a more local level. With the internet students are able to learn at the comfort of their homes as well as an easy way-out for those who are working class students and may not have the time to attend lectures.

I agree with you, great post, distance learning may be the means by which there are more study opportunities and with the rise of telecommunications and the internet it may become an even more noticeable fact, already many schools are offering distance learning as a measure to combat the lack of classes due to covid.