In this article, the authors examine the literature on distance education and offer a brief chronology of its past-to-present development, with special attention to the evolution of technology-mediated instruction. They document some of the major trends related to both theoretical and practical aspects of distance education. In particular, they look at the significance of the design of instruction and the importance of preserving faculty—student communication. Next, they look at the challenges as well as opportunities that distance education affords students, faculty, and institutions of higher education. Finally, the authors summarize what they believe to be major issues to be resolved if educators are to improve the quality of distance education and speculate about what the future might hold with regard to distance education and special education.
Algozzine, B. (2001). Implications of distance education for special education. In B. L. Ludlow, & F. Spooner (Eds.), Distance education applications in teacher education and special education (pp. 3-4). Arlington, VA: Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.
2.
Anderson, K.M., & Anderson, C.L. (2005). Integrating technology in standards-based instruction. In D. Edyburn , K. Higgins, & R. Boone (Eds.), Handbook of special education technology research and practice (pp. 521-544). Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design.
3.
Bates, A.W., & Poole, G. (2003). Effective teaching with technology in higher education . San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
4.
Bauder, D.K., & Simmons, T.J. (2005). The effects of web based instruction and teacher credentialing. Retrieved April 25, 2006, from http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2003/proceedings/259.htm
5.
Beard, L.A., & Harper, C. (2002). Student perceptions of online versus campus instruction . Education, 122(4), 658-663.
6.
Bennett, G., & Green, F.P. (2001). Student learning in the online environment: No significant difference. Quest, 53(1), 1-13.
7.
Blackhurst, E. (2005). Historical perspectives about technology applications for people with disabilities. In D. Edyburn , K. Higgins, & R. Boone (Eds.), Handbook of special education technology research and practice (pp. 3-29). Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design.
8.
Bower, B.L. (2001). Distance education: Facing the faculty challenge . Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 4(2), 1-6.
9.
Brookfield, S.D. (1995). Becoming a critically reflective teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
10.
Burbules, N. (2000). Universities in transition: The promise and the challenge of new technologies. Teachers College Record, 102(2), 271-293.
11.
Burgert, S., & Burnette, J. (2001). Educating exceptional children: A statistical profile (EC #308407). Arlington, VA: ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education.
12.
Cain, D.L., Marrara, C., Pitre, P.E., & Armour, S. (2003). Support services that matter: An exploration of experiences and needs of graduate students in a distance learning environment . Journal of Distance Education, 18(1), 42-56.
13.
Campbell, P., & Algozzine, B. (2005). Using technology to enhance collaboration to benefit all students. In D. Edyburn, K. Higgins, & R. Boone (Eds.), Handbook of special education technology research and practice (pp. 747-776). Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design.
14.
Carr, C.S., & Carr, A.M. (2000). Instructional design in distance education (IDDE): A web-based performance support system for educators and designers. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 1(4), 317-325.
15.
Cerny, M., & Heines, J. (2001). Evaluating distance education across twelve time zones. Technological Horizons in Education Journal, 28(7), 18-26.
16.
Chamberlain, M. N. (Ed.). (1980). New directions for continuing education (Vol. 5). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
17.
Childress, M.D., & Overbaugh, R.C. (2001). The relationship between learning style and achievement in a one-way video, two audio preservice teacher education computer literacy course. International Journal of Educational Telecommunication, 7(1), 57-71.
18.
Christensen, E.W., Anakwe, U.P., & Kessler, A.H. (2001). Receptivity to distance learning: The effect of technology, reputation, constraints and learning preferences. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 33(3), 263-280.
19.
Collins, B.C., & Grisham-Brown, J. (2001). Guidelines for distance education content delivery. In B. L. Ludlow & Spooner, F. (Eds.), Distance education applications in teacher education in special education (pp. 95-119). Arlington, VA: Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.
20.
Cookson, P.S. (2000). Implications of internet technologies for higher education: North American perspectives. Open Learning, 15(1), 71-80.
21.
Cooper, L. (2001). A comparison of online and traditional computer applications classes. Technological Horizons in Education Journal, 28(6), 31-37.
22.
Coppola, J., & Thomas, B. (2000). A model for e-classrooms design beyond "chalk and talk."Technological Horizons in Education Journal, 27(6), 31-37.
23.
Edgar, E., & Pair, A. (2005). Special education teacher attrition: It all depends on where you are standing. Teacher Education and Special Education , 28, 163-170.
24.
Fitzgerald, G., Mitchem, K., Hollingsead, C., Miller, K., & Koury, K. (2005). Enhanced case-based learning using online discussion groups: Diversity of practices. Retrieved April 25, 2006, from http://www.coe.missouri.edu/vrcd/pdf2005%20papers/2005%20FitzgeraldG.pdf
25.
Gable, R.A. (2004). Hard times and an uncertain future: Issues that confront the field of emotional/ behavioral disorders. Education and Treatment of Children, 27(4), 341-352.
26.
Gunawardena, C., & McIsaac, M. (2004). Distance education. In D. H. Johassen (Ed.), Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (pp. 355-395). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
27.
Halpern, D.F. (1994). Changing college classrooms: New teaching and learning strategies for an increasingly complex world. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
28.
Harasim, L., Hiltz, S., Teles, L., & Truoff, M. (1995). Learning networks: A field guide to teaching and learning online. London: MIT Press .
Holmberg, B. (1986). Growth and structure of distance education. London: University of Luten Press.
31.
Hughes, M., & Forest, S. (1997). Distance education in early intervention personnel preparation. In P. J. Winton, J. A. McCollum, & C. Catlett (Eds.), Reforming personnel preparation in early intervention: Issues, models, and practical strategies (pp. 475-494). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
32.
Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center. (n.d.). Final standards for electronic and information technology accessibility Retrieved October 1, 2006, from http://www.ittatc.org/laws/508.php
King, F., Nelson, J.G., & Restauri, S. (2002). Reaching the distance learner: The evolutionary process. Education, 122(4), 664-670.
37.
Knapczyk, D., Chapman, C., Rodes, P., & Chung, H. (2001). Teacher preparation in rural communities through distance education. Teacher Education and Special Education , 24, 402-407.
38.
Loeding, B., & Wynn, M. (1999). Distance learning and planning, preparation, and presentation: Instructors' perspectives. International Journal of Instructional Media, 26(2), 181-182.
39.
Ludlow, B.L. (2005). Technology-mediated distance education: Current practice and future trends. In D. Edyburn , K. Higgins, & R. Boone (Eds.), Handbook of special education technology research and practice (pp. 793-817). Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design.
40.
Ludlow, B.L., & Spooner, F. (2001). Distance education applications in teacher education in special education. Arlington, VA: Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.
41.
Mariani, M. (2001). Distance learning in post-secondary education: Learning whenever, wherever. Occupational Outlook Quarterly , 45(2), 2-10.
42.
McFadzean, E., & McKenzie, J. (2001). Facilitating virtual learning groups: A practical approach. Journal of Management Development, 20(6), 470-494.
43.
Mercer, D. (2004). Project VISION: An experiment in effective pedagogy for delivering preservice training to professionals in visual impairment through distance education. Teacher Education and Special Education , 27, 68-74.
44.
Miller, S.M., & Miller, K.L. (2000). Theoretical and practical considerations in the design of web-based instruction . In B. Abbey (Ed.), Instructional and cognitive impacts of web-based instruction, (pp. 156-177). Hershey, PA: Idea Group.
45.
Mohr, J.D. (2004). Technology-mediated distance education used to prepare special education personnel. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of North Texas, Denton.
46.
Moore, K.B. (2000). Professional development through distance learning . Early Childhood Today, 16(7), 6-8.
47.
Moore, M.G., & Kearsley, G. (1996). Distance education: A systems approach. Boston: Wadsworth.
48.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, P.L. 107-110.155Stat. 1425 (2002).
49.
Osterman, K.F., & Kottkamp, R.B. (1993). Reflective practice for educatorsNewbury Park, CA: Corwin Press.
50.
Palloff, R.M., & Pratt, K. (2003). The virtual student. San Francisco : Jossey-Bass.
51.
Perreault, H., Waldman, L., & Alexander, M. (2002). Overcoming barriers to successful distance learning courses. Journal of Education for Business, 77(6), 313-318.
52.
Peters, O. (1998). Distance education is a postindustrial society . London: Routledge.
53.
Petrides, L.A. (2000). Web-based technologies for distributed (or distance) learning: Creating learning-centered educational experiences in the higher education classroom. International Journal of Instructional Media, 29(1), 69-77.
54.
Phipps, R., & Merisotis, J. (1999). What's the difference? A review of contemporary research on the effectiveness of distance learning in higher education. Retrieved October 21, 2003, from http://www.ihep.com/Pubs/PDF/Difference.pdf
55.
Piotrowski, C., & Vodanovich, S.J. (2000). Are the reported barriers to Internet-based instruction warranted? A synthesis of recent research. Education, 121(1), 48-53.
56.
Press, E., Washburn, J., & Broden, F. (2001). Digital diplomas. Mother Jones , 26(1), 34-41.
57.
Prewitt, T. (1998). The development of distance learning delivery systems. Higher Education in Europe, 13(2), 187-194.
58.
Robbins, C. (1997). Training faculty to teach at a distance. Distance Education Report, 1(8), 5-6.
59.
Rosenberg, M.S., & Sindelar, P.T. (2001). Developing the special education workforce-The proliferation of alternative routes to certification in special education: A critical review of the literature. Arlington, VA: National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education.
60.
Rosenkoetter, S.E., Irwin, J.D., & Saceda, R.G. (2004). Addressing personnel needs for rural areas. Teacher Education and Special Education, 27, 276-291.
61.
Rowland, C.J., Rule, S., & Decker, D. (1996). The promise and practical application of technology to prepare early intervention personnel. Infants and Young Children, 9(1), 63-74.
62.
Rowntree, D. (1986). The planning and management of distance education . London: Croom Helm.
63.
Saba, F. (1998). Is distance education comparable to "traditional education?" Distance Education Report, 2(5), 5-7.
64.
Scigliano, J., & Levin, J. (1999). A multimedia web-based teaching/learning environment: One-stop shopping in an online educational mall. Technological Horizons in Education Journal, 26(10), 72-79.
65.
Section 508 (n. d.). Retrieved October 1, 2006, from http://www.section508.gov
66.
Serwatka, J. (1999). Internet distance learning: How do I put my course on the web? Technological Horizons in Education Journal, 26(10), 71-74.
67.
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvack, S. (2000). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education. Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
68.
Smith, P.L., & Ragan, T.J. (1993). Instructional design. New York : Macmillan.
69.
Smith, S., & Allsopp, D. (2005). Technology and in-service professional development: Integrating an effective medium to bridge research to practice. In D. Edyburn, K. Higgins, & R. Boone (Eds.), Handbook of special education technology research and practice (pp. 777-791). Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design.
70.
Spooner, F., Spooner, M., Algozzine, B., & Jordan, L. (1998). Distance education and special education: Promises, practices, and potential pitfalls. Teacher Education and Special Education, 21, 121-131.
71.
St. Pierre, P. (1998). Distance learning in physical education teacher education. Quest, 50(4), 344-356.
72.
Steinweg, S.B., Davis, M.L., & Thomson, W.S. (2005). A comparison of traditional and online instruction in an introduction to special education course. Teacher Education and Special Education, 28, 62-73.
73.
Tiffin, J., & Rajasingham, L. (1995). In search of the virtual class: Education in an informational society. New York: Routledge.
74.
Tindal, G., & Crawford, L. (2005). Using learning assessments to design effective programs. In D. Edyburn, K. Higgins, & R. Boone (Eds.), Handbook of special education technology research and practice (pp. 821-834). Whitefish Bay, WI: Knowledge by Design.
75.
U.S. Department of Education. (1999). Distance education at postsecondary education institutions: 1997-98 (National Center for Educational Statistics Report No. 2000-13). Washington, DC: Author.
76.
U.S. Department of Education. (2002). Twenty-fourth annual report to Congress on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Washington, DC: Author.
77.
Van Dusen, G.C. (1997). The virtual campus: Technology and reform in higher education. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report (Vol. 25, No. 5). Washington, DC: George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
78.
Verduin, J.R., & Clark, T.A. (1991). Distance education: The foundations of effective practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass .
79.
Vodanovich, S.J., & Piotrowski, C. (2001). Internet-based instruction: A national survey of psychology faculty. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 28(4), 253-255.
80.
Watkins, B.L., & Wright, S.J. (1991). The foundations of American distance education: A century of collegiate correspondence study. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.
81.
White, C. (2000). Learn on-line. Technological Horizons in Education, 27(9), 66-70.
82.
Winton, P. J., McCollum, J. A., & Catlett, C. (Eds.). (1997). Reforming personnel preparation in early interventions: Issues, models, and practical strategies. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
83.
Wolfe, B.L., & Snyder, P. (1997). Follow-up strategies: Ensuring that instruction makes a difference. In P. J. Winton, J. A. McCollum, & C. Catlett (Eds.), Reforming personnel preparation in early interventions: Issues, models, and practical strategies (pp. 173-190). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
84.
Zirkle, C. (2000). Distance education/technical education: Too far apart? ATEA Journal, 28(1), 30.
