This definition includes communication with the postal system, as in correspondence study and other non-electronic methods for communication. Obviously, as electronic telecommunications systems improve an become more pervasive it is likely that they will be the mainstay of modern distance education systems. However. older, less sophisticated systems of telecommunication will continue to be important8 • This definition includes communication with the postal system, as in correspondence study, and other non-electronic methods for communication. Obviously, as electronic telecommunications systems improve and become more pervasive it is likely that they will be the mainstay of modern distance education systems. However, older, less sophisticated systems of telecommunication will continue to be important