Distance education and training provision has expanded dramatically over the past few years. This best-selling introduction to the field has helped many to understand the origins and background of distance education, and has been used by students and professionals as a guide to policy and practice. It has been updated in the light of the developments in recent years in Eastern Europe, and the enormous advances in the use of new technologies. A new case study of distance education in China is also included. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.