One history of technology and media in distance education

There is a long history of the use of technology in distance education. It is necessary to look beyond the technological tools to examine the systems of media that enable meaning to be communicated and understood through the use of technology. The article looks at the development of oral, written, video and computer technologies and media from the perspective of their influence on distance education. It concludes with some lessons from this historical perspective regarding media and technology in distance education today.