Distance education is changing as the capabilities offered by electronic technology expand. The distant learner is no longer isolated from the educational source by geographic barriers. Two-way interaction between teacher and student is now possible through bound and unbound media. A common method of delivering distance education is satellite transmission. Satellite networks provide one-way video transmission augmented with two-way audio transmission via telephone connections. T1 lines and fiber optic cables can provide two-way video and audio communication. T1 lines provide compressed video images which are not full motion, while Tiber optic systems deliver full-motion video. Fiber optic systems are becoming a popular method to deliver education at a distance. Several states have adopted fiber networks to meet school districts' curricular demands. In face of decreasing budgets and teacher availability, fiber optics may be a cost effective teaching method for the future.
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