Online distance learning is an instructional system which connects learners with educational resources．Students work on their own at home,at work,or at school and communicate with faculty and other students by means of e-mail,electronic meetings,videoconferencing,chat rooms,instant messaging and other forms of computer-based communication．There are both advantages and disadvantages to online distance learning. There are many benefits to using online distance learning environments．Online education is available all the time,anywhere and to all people．However,there are weaknesses for some learners．The online learner only has the written text and no other face-to-face hints．This may confuse the learner and cause misunderstanding．While distance learning allows for an openness,it is also difficult because it is done by e-mail messages and writing,and therefore may take more time than face-to-face learning．Sometimes the messages can be overwhelming for many online students. Universities,colleges and schools use online distance learning environments．These are important for students who may be unable to attend classes for various reasons like illnesses or busy everyday schedules．Some learners just want to further their studies at home．They enjoy the convenience of home learning as they take regular programs or enrichment classes. Online courses keep learners very occupied at all hours of the day．There are a great many messages and other online resources to read and respond to．Most learners have regular jobs or attend regular school classes on ground as well．However,the benefits are clear．Online distance learning is becoming very popular．Some online classes have become a profitable business as they replace regular traditional means of learning. Which of the following is TRUE of the passage about online distance learning?