New technologies based on the large computing power of the new computing systems and the large storage devices have made it possible, for large amount of information, to be transferred in a very short time and at affordable prices that are still coming down.
Communication systems including satellites, fiber optics, microwave systems, the internet and mobile devices such as laptops and iPads have made distance learning affordable, efficient, flexible, reliable and varied. Distance learning now is serving more learners with less resources.
Large number of higher education institutions are already involved in distance learning in order to give more opportunities to their students, adult learners who do not have a flexible daily timetable, special needs learners and learners who live far away from these institutions.
With changing economies, new technologies offer more flexibility to people who are in need of updating their skills or even changing carrier.
The internet have made it easy for people to learn subjects and skills online at a low cost or even for free. Schools and Universities all over the world are offering free courses including notes, videos, problems with solutions, old exams with solutions, etc. All what you need is a laptop, a tablet, a smart phone or any other device with an internet connection in order to be able to learn topics, concepts and skills in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, humanities, engineering, languages, etc.
A popular and free mode of learning is the large amount of free courses offered by many universities in the world. Below is a list of institutions that offer massive open online courses (MOOC).