The Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University has created an online support site for research students in the Masters and Doctorate programs at Athabasca University. CDE Research and Exploration Discussion Site (READS) offers resources, information and collaboration to students engaged in research projects. M. Cleveland-Innes and Sarah Gauvreau Athabasca University

1. Online Support for Distance Education Graduate Students: CDE READS Martha Cleveland-Innes, Ph.D. Sarah Gauvreau, B.Ed. Athabasca University The 15 th Annual Sloan-C International Conference of Online Learning

3. http://cde.lms.athabascau.ca

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12. Student Response to READS “ The General Research Discussion topic is the most useful (for me). Overall I think more traffic would help make the resource more vibrant.” “ I’m not sure what the Professor’s Corners is really meant to do. I have an academic advisor / thesis advisor, wouldn’t I simply go to that person?” “ I believe the site has great potential, especially as more students move into their thesis phase of the program. Collectively, students have a great body of knowledge. I hope that we can share our respective expertise.” “ There is nowhere for pre-703/703/704 student to go for this intellectual dialogue and topical thought. This is where I see READS; filling this gap for research students.”

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