The main difference between distance education and classroom education is the location of the students and the teacher.  In the classroom, the teacher is present to deliver instruction face to face to the students.  With distance education, the instructor delivers education to students who are not physically “on site” to receive their education. Instead, teachers and students communicate through technology.  This communication could be conducted in real time (like in virtual chats) or it could be conducted over the course of a few days (like in a discussion board).