This document defines and discusses distance education. It provides two definitions: 1) Distance education is a formal educational process where instruction occurs when the student and instructor are not in the same place, employing technologies like correspondence, audio, video, or computer. 2) Distance education offers opportunities for learners to overcome time and place barriers to education through communication and evaluation by specialists. Distance learning is seen as more flexible for learners who control their learning without needing the instructor. The document traces the history of distance education from correspondence education in the 1700s using printed materials and letters, to today's use of technologies like videoconferencing.