Distance Learning

Very simply put, distance learning is where the learner is geographically removed, or distanced, from the source of the learning. An example is a correspondence course where a training organization sends training materials via postal mail to the learner who returns completed assignments over postal mail. Another example is "online learning" or "e-learning" where a learner uses a variety of computer and networking technologies to access (often remote) training materials, interact with learners, etc. (Note that not all online learning or e-learning is distance learning, for example, a learner might use an interactive CD-ROM on his or her computer.)

Basics

What is Distance Education
Distance Education at a Glance
Distance Education: An Overview
Overview of systems for distance learning
Glossary of Distance Education
Distance Learning and Charitable Organizations
Statistical Analysis Report: Distance Education in Higher Education Institutions
E-Learning and Distance Learning Pros and Cons

General Resources

Distance Learner's Resource Center
List of articles
Distance Learning Channel
Distance Education Clearinghouse
Distance Learning Resources
Distance Education General Resources
Top Ranked Best Buys Online Masters in Management
Distance Learning 101

Enrich Distance Learning With Clusters of Self-Directed Learners

One of the biggest complaints about online learning activities, such as webinars and distance learning, is that learners go through the sessions alone -- they usually don't benefit from sharing the warmth, support and accountabilities that exist in face-to-face groups with other learners. A low-cost, straightforward approach to providing those benefits to learners is peer coaching groups. That approach is brought to you by Authenticity Consulting, LLC -- the same company that brings you this Free Management Library.
Peer Coaching Groups(sm) as Clusters of Local Self-Directed Learners

Learn More in the Library's T&Blog

The Free Management Library provides a very useful blog hosted by an expert in training and development who writes an article two times a week, including from guest writers. The blog also links to 100s of free resources related to coaching. Read more about coaching, share an article or opinion, or ask a question in the
Library's Training and Development Blog

For the Category of Training and Development:

Recommended Books

Basics and General Information

Orienting and Training Employees

Basics and General Information

Field Guide to Leadership and Supervision in Business: by Carter McNamara, published by Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Provides step-by-step, highly practical guidelines to recruit, utilize and evaluate the best employees for your business. Includes guidelines to effectively lead yourself (as Board member or employee), other individuals, groups and organizations. Includes guidelines to avoid burnout -- a very common problem among employees of small businesses. Many materials in this Library's topic about staffing are adapted from this book.

Field Guide to Leadership and Supervision With Nonprofit Staff: by Carter McNamara, published by Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Provides step-by-step, highly practical guidelines to recruit, utilize and evaluate the best staff members for your nonprofit. Includes guidelines to effectively lead yourself (as Board member or staff member), other individuals, groups and organizations. Includes guidelines to avoid burnout -- a very common problem among nonprofit staff. Many materials in this Library's topic about staffing are adapted from this book.

The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. To get more information about each book, just hover your cursor over the image of the book. A "bubble" of information will be displayed. You can click on the title of the book in that bubble to get more information, too.