Relatively little is known about the potential of web-based programs to support and scaffold the writing performance of students with disabilities. In this study, an experimental and control group of students planned and organized their ideas in order to write expository papers about self-selected topics. The experimental group used a web-based…

This article describes the development of a distance learning delivery course at the University of Kentucky that focuses on instructional technology, instructional design, and telecommunications. The components of the course and the availability of the course over the Internet is discussed, along with guidelines for training programs. (Contains…

This article addresses the need for a conceptual approach to researching, e-learning instructional design and the technologies employed as a basis for e-learning. A programmatic research construct is offered for building a conceptual model. Three categories of variables are considered in building the construct: outcome, in situ, and independent…

This article discusses teaching strategies for reading and writing using computer software and Internet-based electronic materials for students with disabilities. Different types of educational software are described, along with prereading strategies, reading activities, and postreading activities. A list of literacy links on the World Wide Web is…

This article describes how to organize site-based assistive technology packages, determine students' assistive technology needs, and obtain and use the appropriate technology. An assistive technology package worksheet sample and a student worksheet sample are included, along with a list of assistive technology resources on the Web. (Contains…

Advocates for disabled students now assert that the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against students with disabilities at public and private universities, also require accommodation for Web-based instruction. This article reviews some of the laws and current issues…

This article describes the development and delivery of a special education program at West Virginia University that offers advanced training to early intervention practitioners entirely online. Initial evaluation data is presented on learning outcomes and participant perceptions. Results indicate the technology was both efficient and effective in…

In the accessible e-learning community there are very few original metaphors, theories and models that have been developed to try and describe, explain and develop "best" practice. This paper will explore the extent to which existing accessibility models can help to develop our conceptualisations of accessible e-learning practice, and outline a…

This document contains preconference seminar outlines for the 47th Annual Education Law Association (ELA) Conference. The first of four sections, "Americans with Disabilities Act Update--Higher Education and Employees," by Christopher P. Borreca, presents legal issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, an adequate definition…

This article discusses the benefits and outcomes of using Internet-based instruction to improve the performance of students with disabilities by developing Internet-based lessons and assessments that target the growth of higher-order thinking skills required on many state assessments. Internet resources for educators are listed. (Contains…

This article describes the development of TEChPLACEs, a collaborative Web site developed by an inclusive kindergarten class and a university development team, to test the feasibility of incorporating communication technologies into the early childhood curriculum. Contents of the Web site and the benefits to students, teachers, and families are…

Describes and evaluates the "TopClass" educational-server software system for the delivery of university-based special-education coursework via the World Wide Web. A pilot study of the development and delivery of instructional content via TopClass found positive student reactions and indicators of student learning. Issues related to Web-based…

Views and concerns of the professionals who deliver disability-related services at Canadian postsecondary education institutions about access to information and instructional technologies are presented. Findings are based on structured interviews with 156 individuals who represent 80% of the population of Canadian campus-based disability service…

The importance of accessibility to digital e-learning resources is widely acknowledged. The World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative has played a leading role in promoting the importance of accessibility and developing guidelines that can help when developing accessible web resources. The accessibility of e-learning resources…

A model for an inclusive approach to the identification of challenges to blended learning as a means to identify educational accessibility issues is presented. By focusing on both the learner and teacher perspectives, the model encompasses a broad range of factors, including learner characteristics, learning and teaching environments, interactions…