Internet - Assisted Vs . Traditional Distance Learning : Students ’ Distinguishing Characteristics *

Two main principles have always guided distance learning universities: accessibility and flexibility. Namely, the university approaches the student and he can choose his mode of learning. Traditional distance learning institutions achieved these goals by offering special self learning textbooks to replace face-to-face instruction and offering students study methods which are independent of time and place. However, when students needed additional support they had to come to local study centers for interactions with tutors and other students, thus giving away some of the flexibility of the distance learning approach: meeting at a certain place at a specific hour.