Distance LearningCurrently, computers already play a major role in many aspects of our lives, from personal work to education. The Internet can also be invaluable in connecting people culturally and socially (Hacker & Capehart, 1999). Geographically and historically, most universities in the world offer distance learning to students via the Internet, and distance learning is becoming a new trend of the 21st academy. In particular, computers will enable a degree of individualization or personalized tutoring (Gardner, 2000: 31). Through easily accessible online educational communication, distance learning comes to replace our support problems in traditional campus learning. Distance learning is an educational approach that “integrates technology, connectivity, curriculum content, and human resources (Willson, 2002: 638).” Through the integration of Internet resources into language teaching, students can learn a second or foreign language. For example, students in advanced-level Italian courses at the University of Utah were virtually immersed in the Italian language and culture in a manner similar to full immersion. All students belong to the virtual community of people who communicate daily in the Italian language. Membership and participation in the community requires only access to the Internet, computer literacy and a strong interest in the topic of discussion (Warschauer, M. 1995). Distance education also offers opportunities to students on online campuses that allow them to achieve remote interaction with course instructors, web-based Internet courses, and supplement an existing course. According to Lehrer (1998), in online education, some people work hard and...... middle of paper......Internet distance learning in higher education. Technical indications, vol. 62(1), 28-32.King, F., Nelson, J.G., & Restauri, S. (2002). Reaching the student remotely: the evolutionary process. Education, vol. 122, 664-669. Lehrer, E. (1998). Big mouse on campus. Insight into what's new. October 26. http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m1571/n39_v14/21250165/print.jhtmlPerreault, H., Waldman, L., & Zhao, M. A. J. (2002). Overcoming obstacles to the successful delivery of distance learning courses. Business training journal, vol. 77(6), 313-318.Uhilg, G. E. (2002). Present and future of distance learning. Education, vol. 122, 670-673. Warschauer, M. (ed.) (1995). Virtual connections. University of Hawaii: Second Language Teaching and Curriculum Center. Willson, J. (2002). The power of distance learning: guest editorial. Education, vol. 122, 638-9.