From the Journal of Distance Education, a number of articles worth checking out. Particularing interesting is the piece about distance education for people with disabilities, which may be one direction course developers could go in the hopes of educating those who may otherwise have a difficult time attending a traditional university.

Informal Learning in an Online Community of Practice

Learning Together: Exploring Group Interactions Online

Students with Disabilities in Distance Education: Characteristics, Course Enrollment and Completion, and Support Services