Distance learning, once a kind of stepchild to "real" education, has now become the bead and butter moneymaker for many educational institutions. In2006 almost 3.5 million students were enrolled in on-line courses at institutions of higher education. This number does not include home schooled primary and secondary students enrolled in on-line courses.On-line courses are now an accepted part of American education and are the fastest growing segment of education. People can now attend college in their jammies. On-line students do not have to worry about weather or road conditions. Distance courses have changed the face of education.They have also opened education to many more people.