Theory and Research

Advanced Distributed Learning Network (ADLNet)
ADLNet sets the standards for the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model.)
http://www.adlnet.org/

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.
http://www.ed.psu.edu/acsde/

American Distance Education Consortium - On-Line Resources
Topics include: intellectual property, copyright, and fair use information, reports and papers, and collaboratories.
http://www.adec.edu/online-resources.html

ARIADNE Foundation Home
ARIADNE projects focus on the development of tools and methodologies for producing, managing and reusing computer-based pedagogical elements and telematics supported training curricula.
http://www.ariadne-eu.org/

Aston Business School - An Assessment Of The Learning Benefits Of Using A Web-based Learning Environment When Teaching Accounting
The impact and use of technology on learning outcomes for accounting students is not well understood. This study investigates the impact of design features of Blackboard used as a web-based learning environment (WBLE) in teaching undergraduate accounting students.
http://www.abs.aston.ac.uk/newweb/research/publications/displayAbstract.asp?sfldID=64

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.
http://www.rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/mo2020z01.htm

Distance Education and the WWW
Gives an overview of the state of art in the distance learning domain and its recent evolution.
http://tecfa.unige.ch/edu-comp/edu-ws94/contrib/peraya.fm.html

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.
http://www.chea.org/Commentary/

elearningpost
Provides news and views into the process and practice of e-learning. From knowledge management to learning design and from usability to strategy, it caters to those responsible for making it work in their organizations.
http://www.elearningpost.com/

The Evolution of Distance Learning
Research paper containing the definition of distance education, and who needs it.
http://sqzm14.ust.hk/distance/

Information Society Standardization System (ISSS)
De facto online consortium for European trends in online education standardization.
http://www.cenorm.be/isss/

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.
http://www.col.org/irfol/

The Internet As An Educational Tool
Making the web work for South Africa - article by Edward P Rybicki, University of Cape Town.
http://www.uct.ac.za/microbiology/educwww.html

Issues in Distance Learning
Theories and philosophies of distance education are dealt with in this article by L. Sherry, (1996).
http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~lsherry/pubs/issues.html

Knowledge Integration Environment
The KIE Project pioneers the educational use of the World Wide Web for middle and high school science instruction.
http://www.kie.berkeley.edu/kie.html

Learning Technologies Workshop homepage
Workshop within CEN/ISSS that produces reports on critical standardization areas for Europe.
http://www.cenorm.be/isss/Workshop/LT/

Needs Assessment for Distance Learning
Sherry, L., and Morse, R. (1995). An assessment of training needs in the use of distance education for instruction. International Journal of Educational Telecommunications,1(1), 5-22
http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~lsherry/pubs/needs/index.html

Quality Online Education - New Research Agendas
This paper describes current debates within quality assurance and online delivery policies within universities and proposes four themes as ways to consider these debates and their relationships with each other.
http://www.rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/mo2268w03.htm

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.
http://www.teletrain.com/

What's The Difference?
A review of contemporary research on the effectiveness of distance learning in higher education. This is a pdf file of size about 150K. [PDF]
http://www.nea.org/he/abouthe/diseddif.pdf