This book provides a comprehensive survey of literature regarding the theory and practice of distance education (DE). Among the aspects of DE discussed are the following; overall picture of DE today (concept/evolution, DE and open learning, modes of teaching/learning); background (basic questions concerning education/teaching/learning and impact of theory on practice); planning (systems approach, student learning, course planning); fundamental considerations in course development (basic principles, content and structure); DE structures/media (self-contained and self-guide courses, contract and project learning, individualized courses, self-checking exercises, media selection, presentation of learning matter); interaction between students and the supporting organization (functions of communication, student-tutor interaction, counseling); organization and administration (services required, types of organization, administration of course development, distribution of course materials, study of DE organization/administration); special applications (supervised DE for young people, personnel training, combinations of DE and face-to-face tutoring, DE in developing countries); theoretical approaches and their practical consequences (DE versus face-to-face learning, student autonomy versus control of students); role/concept of evaluation (principles, methods, completion/dropout rates, economics of DE); and academic discipline of DE (research, DE as a university teaching subject, recognition). Contains 554 references. (MN)