Distance education is defined as a formal educational process where the majority of instruction occurs when the student and instructor are not in the same place. It employs technologies like correspondence, audio, video, or computers to communicate instruction remotely. Distance education offers opportunities for learners to overcome time and place barriers to education by communicating and evaluating learning through specialized individuals remotely. It began in the 1700s through printed materials and letters, and now uses technologies like videoconferencing to provide remote instruction.