Various technologies were used in delivering these distance courses. Ninety percent of the institutions offering distance education courses used online technologies such as the Internet and e-mail. A smaller percentage offered live interactive technologies, such as computer (43 percent) or video (51 percent) conferencing.

Rather than replacing traditional institutions, distance education enables these institutions to reach a wider audience for higher education. A National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) study on distance education conducted in 1999–2000 found that students taking advantage of distance education opportunities tended to be older (e.g., undergraduates age 24 years and older), have family responsibilities, and have limited time. They were more likely to be enrolled in public 2-year colleges, attend school part time, and work full time while enrolled (U.S. Department of Education 2003a).

Offering S&E courses through distance education has challenges and benefits. For example, one challenge is in equating experiences in virtual or online laboratories with traditional class laboratories. (See sidebar, "Distance Education: Problems and Successes.")