The first structured distance learning or correspondence courses were probably the shorthand courses offered by the Pitman organization at the end of the 19th century.

早期的远程学习借助于邮政系统，现在使用的是计算机、卫星和互联网。 远程学习并不是一个崭新的概念，最早的远程学习可能是皮特曼组织于十九世纪末开设的速记课程。

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Nowadays, distance-learning programs are such common things for us, but some people argue that courses can never be taken as good as those by attending a college or university in person.

如今，远程课程对我们来说很普遍，但是一些人认为上网课没有亲自上大学好。

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According to an International Data Corp. study, the number of college students taking distance learning courses will triple to 2.2 million by 2002, or 15 percent of all higher education students.

CNN: fyi.com - Study: Public higher education embracing virtual classrooms