Despite the massive potential of distance learning on the internet, the field of distance training is little known or understood. This guide addresses this knowledge gap and: *presents research into four models of distance education, into which it is claimed nearly all provision world-wide falls *provides a global overview of distance education and training *examines case studies of distance education establishments providing insight into their structure and advantages *challenges the premise that distance training lacks academic exellence and status *appraises the role of distance education as a tool for employers to provide more effective and efficient training for employees. Born in the nineteenth century, distance training came of age in the twentieth century. Desmond Keegan presents an overview of distance training from its inception and looks forward to the innovations of the future.