Peer Review

LD Resources

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: May 9, 2003 by Teacher Education

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: "The LD Resources web site has been providing resources for people with learning
disabilities since 1995. The site has recently been overhauled with better
organization, more resources, and a discussion area where users can post
questions, their own resources or stories, or join numerous ongoing discussions.
LD Resources is a non-commercial site designed, built, and run by Richard
Wanderman who is an educational technology consultant, well-known presenter, and
a successful adult with a learning disability." (taken from the Site Info page)
Additionally there is a newsletter, The LD Reader, which is an informal, free,
email newsletter for the learning disabilities community. It is published
irregularly (as often as monthly and as slowly as yearly). In it you will find:

Notice of updates to this Web site
Announcements
Articles and essays on learning disabilities
Short reviews of electronic and other tools
An occasional bit of humor
Other assorted fragments and goodies
Type of Material:: Collection
Recommended Uses:: This site could be particularly beneficial for those pursuing a teaching
credential in special education. Also, general educators should find it
extremely useful in understanding many of their students' characteristics and
learning needs.
Technical Requirements:: In order to read some of the linked pages (ex: handouts), Adobe Acrobat Reader
is required. The user must also know how to log in and participate in an online
discussion, and in some cases, download outside resources.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The major learning goal of this site is to provide as much information as
possible to those interested in discovering more about learning disabilities.
Target Student Population:: Information included on this site appears to be appropriate for those in high
school or college. Anyone interested in learning more about LD would find this
site particularly enlightening.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: None

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The content areas of the LD Resources site include Articles, Resources,
Discussion, and Newsletter. The site is also searchable by topic.

Article topics are vast: the user should be able to locate information on any
aspect of LD. Examples of the over 100 articles are Autobiographical Essays,
K-12 Education, Tools and Technology, Digital Lifestyle, and Portable Keyboards.

The Resources section includes topics such as School with LD Support, Tools,
Books and eText, Reference, and Handouts. These handouts are downloadable in
pdf.

Back issues of the LD Reader (newsletter) are available since issue #1 in
December, 1995.
Concerns:: If topical sections were listed alphabetically, the user could move more quickly
through the items. In general, the site is a bit disorganized, tends to
emphasize "tech" language and manuevering, and the timeliness of the newsletter
is sporadic.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: This site would be a welcome addition to any teacher training program. The
application to those studying to teach students with learning disabilities is
obvious, but the strong connections to general education cannot be overlooked.
For example, articles and resources that explain how to use assistive technology
in the classroom could be invaluable information for any teacher. One reviewer
particularly appreciated the perspective and flavor provided by being created by
someone with a learning disability. Personal stories are a strength for
increasing awareness and empathy of what indidivuals with learning disabilities
experience. Also, numerous etext resources can be downloaded.
Concerns:: Lack of organization and irregularity of the newsletter.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The new organization of this site has made it easier to locate desired
information. All links are active, and navigation is simplified. The design of
the site is attractive, but not confusing or overwhelming to the eye. It is an
outstanding example of how Web sites should be designed with all users in mind.
Concerns:: Organization could be improved even further. Some links include "tech" jargon -
usually there is some explanation when this occurs.

Other Issues and Comments:: This is one of the most complete and thorough Web sites available today on the
topic of learning disabilities. Any user searching for information regarding LD
need look no further. However, if he or she desires, plenty of other resources
and links are provided.
Creative Commons: