In fact, the first distance education instructors in the United States began conducting classes during the late 19th century via the postal service. Since the advent of these correspondence courses, classes have been delivered to students using the most innovative technology available from radio to television to videorecordings to satellite up-links. Today, courses are delivered through a variety of media including audio transmission and CD-ROM as well as through correspondence.
Some students are place-bound, either by geography or by physical disability.
Learning at a distance allows these individuals an opportunity to receive an education without having to travel to a campus. Other distance education students work full-time. By taking an online course, these students would be able to work their class into their existing schedule. Many traditional students are now registering for online courses from other institutions to supplement their program of study. These traditional students are also registering for online courses from their own institution for scheduling convenience.