Growth in distance learning is also evident in the area of career
and technical education (CTE—where the focus is on the occupational
and academic skills needed for work and life (NCES,
2000b)), although comprehensive nationwide statistics are not available
(Wonacott, 2001). Historically, distance learning has not focused
on vocational or technical education primarily due to the academic
and funding priorities in the 1970s and 1980s. Using Internet and
computer technologies and multimedia resources, community colleges
have expanded their distance learning programs to include
career and technical courses (Reese, 2002).