The ALEKS system is well suited to use in an independent study or distance learning context. ALEKS is self-contained and adaptable to any syllabus or course materials. Students using ALEKS under these circumstances know exactly what the course goals are, where they stand in relation to those goals, and what they need to do to achieve them.

For the instructor administering an independent study or distance learning program, ALEKS solves nearly every problem of management, oversight, evaluation, and communication. All of the information needed to keep track of far-flung independent learners is at the instructor's fingertips, through the features of the Instructor Module. The internal message system of ALEKS puts the instructor in constant touch with students, without dependence on telephone or email communication.