Sign up for social networking sites, like Facebook or Twitter. These sites allow real time updates so you can chat with people in your class. Ask other students in your class to sign up as well, and start an independent study page online so you and your group can study together.
Agree with your classmates to study at a certain time. While studying, everyone should have the agreed upon social network site up and running, so they can ask questions and/or make comments on the material. Although this is done from the comfort of everyone's home (or wherever they are), you still have the benefit of studying together.
Meet in person with other individuals in your distance learning course. Understandably, everyone might not live in your state, but some might. Connect with them at a local library or coffee shop and study in person. Make it a routine occurrence so you each feel as if you have a support network.
Reach out to other people involved in distance learning, even if they aren't in the same program as you. Post fliers and make inquiries via Facebook or Twitter. You're bound to come across other people also looking for a study group. Meet with these people at a library or coffee shop regularly to support one another and hold each other accountable.
Seek people involved in face-to-face classroom education, preferably studying the same (or similar) coursework as you. For instance, if you're taking Communications 101 online, go to your local college or university and inquire at a Communications 101 class if you can sit in on a study group. That way you will be surrounded by people trying to master the same material who can keep you motivated, and possibly help you out with your questions and assignments.