We are developing a new section on the Distance Education Clearinghouse which addresses student support issues: http://www.uwex.edu/disted/students.htm At the August Distance Learning conference in Madison, Wisconsin, people asked us about references which refer to this topic. The research is hard to come by, and if you know of any or have done work in this area, please contact me. Generally, Web sites of interest fall into two categories, sites for the researcher, instructor, administrator, and sites which have been developed directly for the current or potential distance education student.

Here is a sampling of the information available. Additional links to other sites are available on the Distance Education Clearinghouse:

The University of Texas at Austin's Office of Distance Education has developed the Distance Education Primer: http://www.utexas.edu/cc/cit/d e/deprimer/student.html
Their Student Issues section provides insight and research on student development, characteristics of distance learners, recommendations for what students need and who is responsible. The site has been developed with video clips, interviews, charts and documentation. It addresses a wide range of topics, with links to related research and a bibliography.

De Anza College in Cupertino, California has developed a fine Web site for their distance education students. The College's Distance Learning Center has created the site: Resources for Distance Learning Students http://dadistance.fhda.edu/StudentResources.html
Their pages are specifically designed for De Anza students but refer to the types of questions and concerns students generally have. Examples include: checklists for students, (e.g., a Technology Chart, where to find technical support), help for students to "get organized" and how to locate student resources such as the Counseling Department. Many other colleges and universities have created sites such as De Anza's.

Libraries frequently develop Web sites tailored to the needs of their distance education students. The University of Minnesota Library conducted a survey of the 1,039 University students and 160 faculty members involved in distance learning or off-campus courses during Winter Quarter 1995. The University Library received funding to develop a comprehensive program of library services for distance learners. Results can be found at: http://www.lib.umn.edu/pubs/ LibLine/LLvol8no4.html

Finally, for students who are considering taking distance education courses, a quiz which was originally developed by Northern Virginia Community College Extended Learning Institute is often sited. This helps learners to determine if distance education is "right for you" http://www.pbs.org/learn/als/college/quiz.htm
There are many sites which also help students learn about how to select a school, where and how to get financial aid, offer study tips, etc.

These are just a few examples of what is available. New sites are being developed at individual schools or institutions. You can check the Distance Education Clearinghouse for updates to this lists. And, as always, please send me you comments and suggestions for additions. Send to: jacques@ics.uwex.edu