Separation of the teacher and student The second component of the definition of distance education is the concept of separation of the teacher and student. Most often, separation is thought of in geographic terms- teachers are in one location and students in another. Also implied by the definition is the separation of teachers and students in time a synchronous distance education means that instruction is offered and students access it at separate times, or any time it is convenient to them. Finally intellectual separation of teachers and learners is important. Obviously, teachers have an understanding of the concepts presented in a course that students may not possess In this case the reduction of separation is a goal of the distance education system4 （二）Separation of the teacher and student • The second component of the definition of distance education is the concept of separation of the teacher and student. Most often, separation is thought of in geographic terms - teachers are in one location and students in another. Also implied by the definition is the separation of teachers and students in time. • A synchronous distance education means that instruction is offered and students access it at separate times, or any time it is convenient to them. Finally, intellectual separation of teachers and learners is important. Obviously, teachers have an understanding of the concepts presented in a course that students may not possess. In this case the reduction of separation is a goal of the distance education system