This article comments on some trends in the evolution of science teaching at a distance using the Open University UK (OU UK) experience as a benchmark. Even from the first years of the university there was an understanding of the potential role for media in developing methods for teaching science at a distance, in particular the potential for media to help meet the challenges of incorporating practical work in distance learning courses. The paper discusses the different approaches taken to this and concludes by reviewing some current work on the approach to technology enhanced practical work, the use of mobile technology to support informal and situated science education and the potential of Web 2.0 technologies to alter science education. (Contains 2 figures and 2 notes.)