Top Ten Ways Distance Resources Support Learning

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The following characteristics of distance resources have the ability to enhance teaching and learning activities in unique ways.

1. Fast access to information — Students use the Internet to locate information quickly for classroom research and development projects and educational opportunities.
2. Access to experts not available locally — Internet projects let students tap the expertise of experts at a distance.
3. Fast communication to groups — Internet pages, email, and listservs help teachers and students send updates and stay in touch with each other and with parents and community members.
4. Communication resources to support collaboration — Email, bulletin boards/ conferences, blogs, chats, web pages, and other resources make it easier for students and teachers to work together and share products, whether they are in the same physical location or at a distance.
5. Access to learning materials — Teachers download prepared handouts, tests, images, and other materials to use with students; students can use online self-instructional tutorials to surge ahead on a topic.
6. Access to courses and lessons not locally available — Teachers and students can take courses on topics for which teachers are not available at their sites.
7. Access to education for homebound students — Students who are home-bound due to illness, disability, or discipline can take courses and complete degree programs online.
8. Learning communities support collaboration — Teachers and students support and encourage each other and share ideas and materials to advance learning.
9. Lesson ideas from multiple sources — Teachers can locate teaching ideas on any topic from a variety of Internet sites set up for this purpose.
10. Increased interaction among students and between students and teachers — Many educators and students feel that the communication options available in distance courses make it possible for them to interact more than is possible in face-to-face environments.