Remote learning might seem like a new concept, but it is a daily reality for students who attend the School of the Air, a form of distance learning created in 1951 for students who lived in remote areas of Australia. Prior to the School of the Air, students also learnt through post correspondence, in which their lessons arrived in the mail and assignments were posted to their teachers.

Source: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Source: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

Students completing schoolwork by correspondence (letter) while sitting outside at their family farm, 1946.

Source: Royal Flying Doctor Service

This student is speaking with her School of the Air teacher using a radio.

Source: School of the Air, Alice Springs
Source: School of the Air, Alice Springs

Students at School of the Air (Alice Springs) logging in for their classes, 2021.