Abstract
This paper considers the growth of distance learning, in particular within higher education (HE) in the UK. It is in three sections. The first outlines the particular social, economic, technical and pedagogic environment from which the modern development of distance learning sprang. The second section considers how far distance learning has addressed and answered some of the problems set by that environment. The final section identifies those important issues which remain unresolved and suggests others which have become manifest through the development of distance learning itself. The paper concludes by reflecting that distance learning is not solely a mode of delivery but carries implicit messages on the role of education as a preparation for postmodern society.

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