Distance Learning Theory and Research

• Advanced Distributed Learning Network (ADLNet) - ADLNet sets the standards for the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model.)
• The American Center for the Study of Distance Education (ACSDE) - A network of scholars who have a common interest in studying, teaching, and doing research in the field of distance education.
• American Distance Education Consortium - On-Line Resources - Topics include: intellectual property, copyright, and fair use information, reports and papers, and collaboratories.
• A Case Evaluation in Internet Assisted Laboratory Teaching - This paper presents the preliminary findings from an evaluation conducted on the implementation of Internet assisted teaching of fluid mechanical engineering laboratory sessions on a university degree program. It compares the particular merits of laboratory sessions in which students receive instruction from Internet based presentations compared with those who received instruction from 'traditional' tutor led sessions, through a process of questionnaire based surveys and direct observations.
• Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies (CALT) - Europe's leading R&D initiative in the domain of advanced learning technologies for management education and knowledge management.
• Digital Learning Communities: Promoting Democracy through Education - This online course gives an academic perception of the future role of online education. Requires purchase to take the course.
• Distance Education and the WWW - Gives an overview of the state of art in the distance learning domain and its recent evolution.
• Distance Learning Defined - Essay by Jennifer Pattern which defines the terminology of learning through a distance education program.
• Distance Learning in Higher Education - Summaries of and links to reports covering topics related to distance learning, mainly as it applies to high schools and colleges.
• The Evolution of Distance Learning - Research paper containing the definition of distance education, and who needs it.
• Information Society Standardization System (ISSS) - De facto online consortium for European trends in online education standardization.
• International Research Foundation for Open Learning (IRFOL) - Carries out research in open and distance learning in all parts of the world but with a particular focus on developing countries. It has particular interests in basic education, teacher education, higher education and the use of technologies. Find research, reports, related links, and contact details.
• The Internet As An Educational Tool - Making the web work for South Africa - article by Edward P Rybicki, University of Cape Town.
• Knowledge Integration Environment - The KIE Project pioneers the educational use of the World Wide Web for middle and high school science instruction.
• Learning Technologies Workshop homepage - Workshop within CEN/ISSS that produces reports on critical standardization areas for Europe.
• The Teletraining Institute - Provides a practical laboratory where teachers, corporate trainers, government instructors, and others can learn and explore the skills and methods specific to the growing field of distance education.