Top 50 Distance Learning Resources

If you're considering taking up a distance learning course, it can sometimes be difficult to find good quality information. We've collected our 50 top resources for distance learning help and guidance - this list contains details for organizations and sites dedicated towards distance learning, useful articles, course directories and more.

This list is particularly aimed towards UK students.

Distance Learning Organizations:

http://www.odlqc.org.uk/ - Open and Distance Learning Quality Council

http://www.niace.org.uk/ - National Institute of Adult and Continuing Education

http://www.homestudy.org.uk/ The Association of British Correspondence Colleges

http://www.iadl.org.uk/ - International Association for Distance Learning

Distance Learning Websites:

NHS Direct - Education and learning information for carers

Open University - distance learning explained

http://www.skill.org.uk/ - education information for disabled people

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/adults/ - the BBC’s adult learning section with information on courses

http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/ - information and resources for distance learning

Connexions - Details on different methods of open or part-time learning, aimed at school leavers.

http://www.careerchangetraining.co.uk - information on training for people looking to change careers

http://www.elearnmag.org/ - Articles, blogs and resources focused on e-learning

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/ - great resource on training and education for both businesses and individuals, including flexible distance learning courses.

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/study_advice.htm - General study and revision advice

http://www.direct.gov.uk/ - Information on distance learning, plus the NextStep course finder tool.

http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/ - Information on alternatives to university – apprenticeships, jobs and home learning courses.

Distance Learning Articles

Top 10 benefits of distance learning

The benefits of distance learning for employers

Why distance learning is best for busy mums

Will home study suit my learning style

7 success strategies for distance learners

Boost your career with a qualification: why experience isn’t enough any more

Article on the pros and cons of distance learning

Article on distance learning focussing on mature students

Mastering open and distance learning techniques

Why it’s never too late to learn something new

Alternatives to full time study

10 ways to ensure distance learning success

Getting into higher education as a mature student

5 success strategies for online students

The Guardian - The Road to Learning

The Telegraph - How to get a degree during six gap years

Direct.gov - Information on flexible and open learning options

Worcester.ac.uk - The University of Worcester’s guide to distance learning (PDF Document)

Prime50Plus.co.uk - Information on training and careers for over-50s.

Ibtimes.com - Articles and news on online education – mostly US based.

Expat Network - Collection of links to distance learning institutions worldwide

Distance Education on Wikipedia - history and theories of distance education

Course Directories:

http://www.hotcourses.com

http://www.findcpd.com

http://www.course-finder.co.uk

http://www.helptrainingcourses.com

http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/browse/

http://www.coursesplus.co.uk

http://www.postgraduatesearch.com

http://www.studylink.com

http://www.underoak.co.uk

http://www.emagister.co.uk

http://www.learn4good.com/

Do you know of a useful distance learning resource that we've missed out? Please let us know in the comments!