Distance Learning: How It Can Transform American Education

Technology has given students improved access to resources, personalized education and digital educational materials. Distance learning uses these technologies to connect geographically distant students with instructors, allowing for greater learning opportunities. While virtual education is a fairly recent trend in American education, what models from other countries have shown positive outcomes for students and how can they be replicated in the United States? What sources of funding exist in this era of austerity? How is distance learning transforming higher education? And what policy steps should be taken to benefit students and teachers?

On April 18, the Brookings Institution hosted a discussion on distance learning, its benefits and potential impact on U.S. education. Discussants also identified and examined policy proposals that can best promote distance learning in the United States.

After the panel, speakers took audience questions.