This document discusses distance education and its definition. It begins by having students search online definitions of distance education. It notes that understanding the definition provides a starting point to recognize its elements. The document has students clarify the definitions by discussing them in a team. They then add their own viewpoint, defining distance education as a complete teaching and learning system that focuses on delivering and supporting learning for physically separated students and instructors. The document also briefly outlines the history of distance education moving from corresponding materials to broadcasting to interactive technologies like computers and networking.