This document defines distance education and discusses its history and recent developments. It provides three key points:
1) Distance education is defined as a formal educational process where instruction occurs when the student and instructor are not in the same place, and may employ various technologies like correspondence, audio, video, or computers.
2) Distance education has existed since the 1700s, but saw more developments in the 1900s with instructional films, slides, and television being used to deliver content to remote students.
3) Recent technology has allowed for higher quality learning at lower costs with more interaction through network projects, virtual learning environments, and online course platforms that increase access to education.