Distance learning is student-centered learning; thus knowing the characteristics and demographics of the distance learners helps us understand the potential barriers and attractions to learning in this mode. Although students' characteristics and needs may not guarantee success in a DE course or program, it is easy to defend these factors as contributing to success. Since the dynamic nature of the DE student precludes a typical student profile, it is important to examine their characteristics, barriers and attractions to DE in order to be able to strive to excel in serving them. Based on the...