History

The history of distance education is extensive and rich of resolves for present and future barriers. Some previous barriers have been resolved to the extend that prior attempts to educate in this non-traditional manner can experience successes when used appropriately for future usage. All prior attempts should not be abandoned, but merely use the same method in a cost effective manner and when it is appropriate; therefore the future of distance education is in the utilization of all prior attempts when it is cost effective to do so and in the areas it is required.

The reading mentioned engineering as a subject matter that is slow to utilize distance education in an effective way due to hands on optical. Although televising demonstrations may be expensive, the initial cost can be off set through the filming of demonstrations so students can review various techniques as many times as needed to grasp essentials components each time it is required. In the instance of engineering, televised demonstrations will be helpful is some situations when hands on demonstrations are key in teaching.