Sometimes, distance learning schools combine both mail order and online educational services for their students. Depending on the subject matter or level of academic program, students may be required to submit hard copy work; or, in many cases, may need to order course text books to accommodate the online curriculum. On another note, home-schooled students are frequently taught in combination with both mail order and online coursework.
Typically, distance learning schools will provide an online bookstore to students; whereby individuals may purchase specific textbooks for their course syllabus. (These books may be acquired via online, phone, fax or through mail order.) Other distance learning material may also be necessary to supplement coursework. These secondary supplies may include video tapes; academic software and/or hardware; tapes; CDs; microphones; lab supplies; and possibly, video conferencing equipment.
While most distance learning schools have moved to inclusive online curriculums, a few of these academies still continue to offer mail order classes for students who prefer to work completely independently from the computer. That number, though, is beginning to decline as more and more individuals have access to PCs not just from home or office, but from local libraries as well. In addition, distance learning schools that do offer mail order courses frequently provide instant access to those same courses via download.
One of the oldest, known distance learning schools is the University of South Africa, which began offering correspondence courses in 1946 via mail order. Today, it continues to carry on its rich tradition of distance education by offering a vast variety of disciplines. With the changing times, the University of South Africa has incorporated comprehensive online courses, certificates, diplomas and online degree programs to an International community of prospective students