SummaryThis article attempts to identify some of the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of distance education. It explains the characteristics of distance learning and how emerging technologies can be used effectively to achieve desired learning outcomes among learners. The study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning and suggestions to maximize the benefits have been discussed.IntroductionThe term distance learning is used interchangeably as distance education, distributed learning, matching learning, web-based learning and e-learning. This acronym and many others are used to refer to learning and teaching in which the teacher and learners are in a different geographic location. According to Wikipedia's definition of distance education: it is a process of creating and providing access to learning when the source of information and learners are separated by time and distance , or both. Robinson (1997) defines it as a system of teaching and learning in which teachers and learners are physically separated for some or all of the time, and where the learning material partly takes over the role of the teacher traditional. The Common Wealth of Learning (COL) in 2004 defined distance learning “as the provision of learning or training to those who are separated primarily by time and space from those who teach or train.” Teaching is carried out using various mediation processes to convey content, deliver lessons and conduct assessments or measure results” (Kutty and Siraj, 2007). Historically, distance education dates back to 1840, when Isaac Pitman taught shorthand in Britain by correspondence. In the 19th century, the emergence of postal services acted as a catalyst for the middle of paper......July 2, 2009 from http://www.astd.org/lc/2000/0400-sheinberg.htmSmart, KL and Cappel, J.J. (2006). Student Perceptions of Online Learning: A Comparative Study Retrieved July 18, 2009 from http://jite.org/document/vol5/v5p201-219mart54.pdfWetzel, DR (2008). Pros and Cons of Adult Distance Learning: Determining Educational Continuity and Appropriateness Through Online Learning Retrieved September 10, 2009 from http://distance-education.suite101.com/article. cfm/pros-and-consWikipedia (2009), http://www.wikipedia.org/ retrieved October 10, 2009Wonacott, ME (2002). Blending Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Methods in Adult and Career Technical Education, Retrieved September 8, 2009, from http://www.calpro.online.org/eric/docgen.asp