Distance learning may take advantage of the latest digital technologies, or rely on a tool as simple as the US Post Office.
Correspondence courses are early examples of distance learning.
Distance learning has always had a role in education. Students who were isolated by geography, physical disabilities or family and work responsibilities were given a chance to educate themselves and improve their skills. This is still true today. However, thanks to the proliferation of high speed telecommunications networks, organizations are looking at new ways to use distance learning. Training that once required instructors and students to travel long distances can now be conducted via satellite videoconferencing.