Paper and pencil optional; computer and internet connection required. Though I have never met my instructor, we "talk" to each other almost daily. My classmates live throughout the country, communicating with me through message boards and emoticons. I take quizzes via a computer screen and keyboard; I write timed essays on a virtual answer sheet that automatically crosses cyberspace to reach my instructor. Distance becomes a connection, rather than a hindrance.

Thanks to better communication and the internet boom, distance learning is gaining popularity. Recent news articles highlight how high school and college education is becoming more techno-savvy, allowing professors to communicate with and even present lectures to students across vast distances. I wanted to experience the new mode of instruction for myself. Is distance learning overrated, or is it a viable way to learn a new subject?

Each distance-learning course is set up differently, depending on student/teacher goals. My first distance-learning course required little computer expertise: I needed to know the basics&mdashhow to type, use a word processor, e-mail documents, and navigate the internet and course site. I enrolled in an honors literary analysis course sponsored by a prestigious private university. I enrolled with two other students; though our background, education, personality, and study method varied, we shared a desire to study writing in relation to Classic literature. This course turned out to be a great experience, and I later advanced to AP-level courses through the same program.

Finding the right course format to fit my personality and study goals was important. Distance learning works well with many homeschoolers who are familiar with setting learning goals and completing work independently. But distance learning also works well for any student who is responsible and self-motivated. Though my instructors have always been caring and helpful, I've recognized that their job was to critique and grade my work, not to hold my hand through the learning process. I've often searched out answers to questions on my own. This self-reliance is important, not only in distance learning, but also in life.

Instructors set deadlines, and I must abide by them to earn a good grade. Yet the manner, method, and time when I study are completely up to me. There is no set time for lectures or group study (at least in my course); nonetheless, class interaction remains important. I review essays written by my fellow students; I post my opinions on discussion questions related to current topics. A social board allows for fun insights or surveys, sometimes related to academics, other times on random topics, such as "what books are you reading?" or "what was the last movie you saw?"

Another positive aspect of distance learning is the opportunity to study less common subjects in depth. I am now part of an online, college-introductory course in art history. This course is a chance to explore a topic I am passionate about with students who share my passion. Distance learning also provides accountability; I know that I am getting a full course load, the same as that in a classroom. My main study tool is a textbook, but with the nature of an online course, internet resources are always at my disposal, whether browsing images of Greek sculpture or researching the life of Van Gogh. Granted, sometimes a website fails to load or (right in the middle of a quiz!) the computer will start to hibernate without my permission. But these annoyances are rare, and my instructors have always been understanding regarding computer slip-ups. My experience with distance learning has been positive. I have come to firmly believe that with ever-changing technology, incorporating new methods of learning into a high school education is good preparation for college and&mdashmore importantly&mdashfor a future of life-long learning.