- “Distance Learning” is a useful educational option for students with severe disabilities, who may be able to take courses or earn undergraduate and graduate degrees without ever leaving their homes. These sites help students and professionals find distance learning courses and learn more about them. We encourage visitors to investigate potential distance learning programs carefully to ensure that they are accredited by recognized authorities.
- About.com’s “Distance Learning”
- This typical about.com guide links to hundreds of resources on dozens of topics relating to distance learning. Though a bit difficult to navigate, the subject panel is a good place to start. For example, the section on Accrediting Associations provides links to regional associations which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Accessible Distance Education Resources on the Web [added 3/1/01]
- Geared for distance education providers, this page from the Texas Technology Access Project provides links to web-based resources about making distance education more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Distance Education: Access Guidelines for Students with Disabilities [added 7/2/01]
- This excellent manual from the California Community Colleges covers legal requirements, basic requirements for providing access, access guidelines for specific modes of distance education instructional delivery, print media, audio conferencing, video conferencing/video transmission, instructional software, and more.
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- The DETC is a nonprofit educational association that “serves as a clearinghouse of information about the distance study/correspondence field and sponsors a nationally recognized accrediting agency called the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.” Its member institutions offer more than 500 different academic, vocational, and avocational courses by mail or by telecommunications. Its web site includes a directory of accredited institutions, an index to subjects taught, and a guide to degree programs, as well as extensive information about distance education and distance educatioin resources.
- Distance Education Clearinghouse
- Based at the University of Wisconsin, this comprehensive guide to distance education includes general information, news, research, technology, and more.
- The Distance Learning Resource Network (DLRN)
- DLN is “the dissemination project for the Star Schools Program, a federally funded distance education program which offers instructional modules, enrichment activities and courses in science, mathematics, foreign languages, workplace skills, high school completion and adult literacy programs.” Its web site includes current research, news items, a searchable database to find current information on the courses and resources available from the Star Schools projects or peruse its library of information on distance learning topics.
- EASI’s page on distance learning and students with disabilities
- Just in its formative stages, this page features links to resources relating to distance and electronic learning for students with disabilities. Topics range from an online slide presentation on distance learning and disabilities to an article on using streaming audio and video to enhance distance learning.
- Geteducated.com’s “Distance Learning, College Degrees & Accreditation FAQ”
- A good list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) – and their answers – from a distance learning consulting firm.
- Information Technology and Disabilities (Vol. VIII No. 1 January, 2002) [added 2/2/02]
- This special issue of Information Technology and Disabilities is all about distance learning! Articles include “Universal Design of Distance Learning,” “A Survey of Online Instructional Issues and Strategies for Postsecondary Students with Learning Disabilities,” “The Design of Accessible Distance Education Environments That Use Collaborative Learning,” “Distance Learning and Disability: A View from the Instructor’s Side of the Virtual Lectern,” and “Issues in Preparing Visually Disabled Instructors to Teach Online: A Case Study.”
- LifeLongLearning.com
- Peterson’s is widely known for its printed and electronic college directories. This is Peterson’s online database of accredited distance learning courses, which you can search by name or degree category.
- R1edu.org
- R1edu.org is a gateway to distance learning opportunities offered by twenty-eight of North America’s major research universities. You can search courses offered by R1edu.org universities by subject area, type of program, and institution.
- United States Distance Learning Association
- This association and its web site are geared primarily for professionals in the distance learning field. The “Links to Programs” page is still under development.
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