So You're a Distance Learner? Tips and Suggestions for Rural Special Education Personnel Involved in Distance Education

Abstract

Distance education technology is rapidly becoming a means for delivering both preservice and inservice courses and content for rural teachers, paraprofessionals, related service personnel, and others involved in special education. Yet, learning at a distance can be both intimidating and challenging. This article is designed to be distributed to distance education students by distance education instructors and describes how persons who find themselves involved in distance learning can break down barriers that inhibit learning and make the most of the experience. The tips and suggestions offered are based on the experience of instructors and participants who have been involved in university distance education courses and activities since 1989 and on suggestions from publications stemming from special education programs in distance education.

Keywords

distance learning distance education technology preservice inservice

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