At its most basic level, distance education takes place when a
teacher and student(s) are separated by physical distance, and technology
(i.e., voice, video, data, and print), often in concert with face-to-face
communication, is used to bridge the instructional gap. These types of
programs can provide adults with a second chance at a college education,
reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical disability,
and update the knowledge base of workers at their places of employment.
A wide range of technological options are available to the distance
educator. They fall into four major categories:
Voice
- Instructional audio tools include the interactive technologies of
telephone, audio conferencing, and short-wave radio. Passive (i.e., one-way)
audio tools include tapes and radio.
Video
- Instructional video tools include still images such as slides,
pre-produced moving images (e.g., film, videotape), and real-time moving
images combined with audioconferencing (one-way or two-way video with
two-way audio).
Data
- Computers send and receive information electronically. For this reason,
the term "data" is used to describe this broad category of instructional
tools. Computer applications for distance education are varied and include:
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) - uses the computer as a
self-contained teaching machine to present individual lessons.
Computer-managed instruction (CMI) - uses the computer to organize
instruction and track student records and progress. The instruction itself
need not be delivered via a computer, although CAI is often combined with
CMI.
Computer-mediated education (CME) - describes computer applications
that facilitate the delivery of instruction. Examples include
electronic mail, fax, real-time computer conferencing, and World-Wide
Web applications.
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Voice
- Instructional audio tools include the interactive technologies of
telephone, audio conferencing, and short-wave radio. Passive (i.e., one-way)
audio tools include tapes and radio. 
Video
- Instructional video tools include still images such as slides,
pre-produced moving images (e.g., film, videotape), and real-time moving
images combined with audioconferencing (one-way or two-way video with
two-way audio). 
Data
- Computers send and receive information electronically. For this reason,
the term "data" is used to describe this broad category of instructional
tools. Computer applications for distance education are varied and include: