What defines online continuing education?

Online continuing education is characterized by the fact that the instructor and participants are not in the same physical location. This mode of education allows for flexibility and accessibility, enabling individuals to engage in learning from anywhere, provided they have internet access.

While some forms of education can involve real-time interaction, this is not a requisite condition for online continuing education, as it can also take place asynchronously. Methods such as pre-recorded lectures or online modules fall under this category, emphasizing the convenience of not requiring physical presence in a classroom setting.

In contrast, traditional classroom education is defined by in-person attendance, while hands-on activities are often associated with practical training rather than the theoretical focus common in online formats. Thus, the defining characteristic of online continuing education is indeed the separation of instructors and participants by distance, allowing for varied learning styles and schedules.