[originaltext] Within a context of rapid technological change and shifting ma

Within a context of rapid technological change and shifting market conditions, education system is challenged with providing increased educational opportunities without increased budgets. Many educational institutions are answering this challenge by developing distance education programs. At its most basic level, distance education takes place when a teacher and students are separated by physical distance, and technology is used to bridge the instructional gap. (7) These types of programs can provide adults with a second chance at a college education, make up for the disadvantages of limited time, distance or physical disability and update the knowledge base. (8) This approach has been widely used by business, industrial and medical organizations. For many years, doctors, engineers and lawyers have used it to continue their professional education. (9) These individuals are often too busy to interrupt their practice and participate in classroom-based education. Recently, academic institutions have been using distant education to reach a more diverse audience who have no access to traditional classroom instruction. The distinguishing characteristic of distant education is the separation of the instructor and students during the learning process. The communication of the subject matter is primarily to individuals rather than groups. (10) As a result, the course content must be delivered by instructional media. The media may be primarily print, as in the case of traditional correspondence course. Today, a wide variety of media are used. Audiocassettes, videotapes, video course can be sent to individual students. In addition, radio, broadcast, television, telelectures and teleconferences are used for distant education. The latter two delivery systems allow for interactive instruction between the instructor and the students.
7. What do we know about traditional classroom instruction?
8. In which field has long distance education been used?
9. Why do many professionals use long distance education?
10. What does the instruction of long distance education primarily rely on?