Distance Learning Site
	Elizabeth Stuttard BellaOnline's Distance Learning Editor

.LRN [offsite link]
.LRN is an open source enterprise-class suite of web applications and a portal framework for supporting course management, online communities and collaboration. Originally developed at MIT, .LRN can be used to support a range of applications, including course management, e-learning, and research communities.

1600+ Tech Tools [offsite link]
The Directory at Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies provides links and lists of over 1600 learning tools. Very well organized and easy to explore.

Bazaar [offsite link]
Bazaar is available to the education community (K-12 and post-secondary) as an Open Source alternative to such proprietary and expensive commercial systems as WebCT and Blackboard.

Blackboard [offsite link]
Offers a complete suite of enterprise software products and services that power e-Education programs in our primary markets – Higher Education, K-12, Corporate/Government and International.

Boxmind Software [offsite link]
Software includes Flashpoint - combine Powerpoint with Flash; Enlighten to combine video, audio, slides, text for multimedia presentations; and the E-lecture collection.

Claroline [offsite link]
Open source course management system to promote elearning around the globe with funding for continued upgrades and improvements.

Click2learn.com [offsite link]
Nicholas Van Dam’s research indicates that “90% of what people DO they remember while as only 10% of what they READ they remember”. This is the underlying philosophy for ToolBook, Click2learn’s flagship product for creating effective simulations and rich, interactive content for your enterprise. Click2learn has now merged with docent to become an organization called Sum Total.

Covidia Knowledge System [offsite link]
Covidia is a turn-key e-learning solutions provider. The Covidia platform is free to use for all service clients, and is designed to reduce costs and improve effectiveness in learning environments.

e-Learning Course Development Kit [offsite link]
If you want to create test questions, bookmarks and support for SCORM you will spend several weeks programming with JavaScript. You can get documented source code for these essential e-Learning capabilities right now with the e-Learning Course Development Kit.

eCollege [offsite link]
Comprehensive course management systems for teachers, administration and technology infrastructure solutions.

Exam Builder [offsite link]
Presenting ExamBuilder 4. Fortune 500 Companies, governments, mid-sized organizations and universities around the world have been relying on ExamBuilder for sales and product training, continuing education, certifications, and IT assessments since 1998.

First Class [offsite link]
FirstClass Communications Platform is our Collaborative Groupware, which provides our users with the ability to effectively communicate and share valuable resources and information via email, conferencing, directories, individual and shared calendars and online chats. FirstClass has been used by thousands of organizations to create powerful online electronic communities that enable individuals and groups of people to work more effectively.

Intelex Document Management Software [offsite link]
Intelex Technologies offers a collaborative tool that allows creation, revision, and approval of documents utilizing a customizable web-based module.

Learningware [offsite link]
The leading provider of software templates designed to make training more engaging and fun! Whether you need a classroom game show program or an Internet-based assessment or quiz, our mission is to give you tools that are simple to understand, easy to use, and effective.

Macromedia´s Authorware [offsite link]
The leading visual authoring tool for creating rich-media e-learning applications for delivery on corporate networks, CD/DVD, and the Web. Develop accessible applications that comply with learning management system (LMS) standards.

MIT´s OpenCourseWare [offsite link]
A free and open educational resource for faculty, students, and self-learners around the world. OCW supports MIT´s mission to advance knowledge and education, and serve the world in the 21st century. It is true to MIT´s values of excellence, innovation, and leadership.

Mobile Technology in Distance Learning
Mobile learning (M-learning) has some specific advantages for some students. Large numbers of students today have smart phones, tablets, MP3 players and other devices that allow them to complete learning tasks from wherever they happen to be located.

Moodle [offsite link]
A course management system designed to help educators who want to create quality online courses. The software is used all over the world by universities, schools, companies and independent teachers. Moodle is open source and completely free to use.

Question Mark [offsite link]
Offers products that let you simply create, securely deliver and report on computerized quizzes, tests, surveys and all other forms of assessments.

Sonic Foundry [offsite link]
Now part of Sony Digital, offers rich media integration for learning enterprises. High performance webcasting, multimedia and rich dynamic elearning environments.

Test Craft [offsite link]
A powerful and easy to use, web-based assessment authoring system with the tools to author and deliver assessments via local networks or the Internet. Results easily analyzed in real-time by using browser-based reports or downloading report data in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, CSV, XML, or HTML formats.

Useful Technology Tools for Distance Learners
If you would like some help to make some of your tasks such as managing your time, note-taking, presentations, and citing sources in your essays, you can find many technology tools online to help you. Here are suggestions for a few. Most of these have a free version you can use.

Using Social Networking for Learning
One type of distance learning that is becoming a part of education in general is the use of social networking. Social media tools are being used in public schools, high schools, and in all areas of higher education, both in distance learning classes and in regular face-to-face school courses.

WebCT [offsite link]
Thousands of institutions worldwide rely on WebCT. Learn how WebCT´s flexible e-learning solutions address the needs of institutions across the educational spectrum.

Links marked with the [offsite link] designation point to websites not associated with BellaOnline.com. BellaOnline.com is not responsible for the material found there.

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