Distance Learning
Purchase
Description
"This book is a fine example of what is needed for distance learning teachers,
administrators, and evaluators throughout the world. It provides good coverage of the timely topics that face distance educators daily. For those considering starting a distance learning course or program, this book would provide a solid footing upon which to make important decisions."
--REVIEW OF HIGHER EDUCATION
"The overall strength of this volume is its emphasis on practical considerations that an instructor is likely to encounter in creating a distance course. . . . particularly strong in presenting easily understood principles of good practice for those who must plan and implement distance learning."
--EVALUATION & PROGRAM PLANNING
What delivery methods are available to make education accessible to a wide variety of potential learners? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can instructors create effective learning environments in distance courses? What support from administrators and staff is essential? What guidelines are used by accrediting agencies to assure program quality? This highly readable book by three experienced faculty members answers these questions and more. Both theoretical and practical, the book presents proven principles and research-based advice. Drawing upon their experience with a variety of delivery modes, the authors provide readers with tips they can use in designing, implementing, and evaluating distance courses and programs. Instructors and administrators alike will find much valuable assistance, including:
- A wealth of examples and strategies based on field-tested models, student preferences, and the authors' own extensive experiences
- Comprehensive coverage that addresses available delivery options, factors to consider when selecting a delivery mode, designing a syllabus for a distance course, fostering student learning and development, and providing student support services
- Concrete and practical approaches for assessing student learning, conducting course and program evaluation, and addressing accreditation guidelines
- Summary tips and references to web sites that conclude each chapter provide convenient summaries for readers and guide them to additional resources
- A companion web site that illustrates the text's coverage with concrete examples
Drawing upon the rich details provided by the authors, faculty and administrators will be able to meet the challenge of developing and evaluating successful distance learning courses and programs.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
Introduction
- Background and Audience
- Overview of the Contents
- Our Companion Web Site
1. Distance Education: What Is It? And Why Is It Expanding So Rapidly?
- Impacts of Technology on Distance Education
- The Prevalence of Distance Education in the United States
- Societal Changes Contributing to the Growth of Distance Education
- The Impact of Distance Education on Traditional Instruction
- Criticisms of Distance Education
- Conclusion
2. Attracting Students to Distance Learning
- How to Assess the Need and Demand for a Distance Program
- Target Audience
- Instructional Design and Mode of Delivery
- Strategies for Marketing Distance Courses and Programs
- Specific Ideas for Promoting and Marketing Distance Programs
- Conclusion
3. Good Practices in Distance Education: How to Promote Student Learning and Development
- The Good Practices
- Summary Tips
4. The Syllabus for Distance Learning Courses
- What Is a Syllabus?
- More Than a List
- Outline for a Syllabus: Putting It Together
- Other Issues
- Summary Tips
5. Delivery Methods for Distance Education
- Synchronous or Asynchronous?
- Synchronous Delivery Methods
- Asynchronous Delivery Methods
- Conclusion
6. Selecting Delivery Methods
- Fundamental Principles to Observe in Selecting Delivery Methods
- A Decision Tree Approach to Selecting a Delivery Method
- Conclusion
7. Support Services
- Support Services Prior to Enrollment
- Support Services for Enrolled Students
- Support Services After Course or Program Completion
- Summary
8. Ensuring High Completion Rates
- The Problem of Retention
- Retention in Distance Education Programs
- Strategies for Improving Completion Rates
- Summary Tips
9. Assessing Learning Outcomes
- Guiding Principles
- Methods of Assessment
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
10. Program Evaluation
- Evaluating Program Inputs
- Program Processes
- Assessing Outcomes
- Analysis of Costs and Outcomes
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
11. Accrditation
- Guidelines for Distance Learning
- Providing Evidence Regarding the Program's Effectiveness in Meeting the Guidelines
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
Conclusion
Conclusion
Author Index
Author Index
Subjedt Index
Subjedt Index
About the Authors
About the Authors
Description
"This book is a fine example of what is needed for distance learning teachers,
administrators, and evaluators throughout the world. It provides good coverage of the timely topics that face distance educators daily. For those considering starting a distance learning course or program, this book would provide a solid footing upon which to make important decisions."
--REVIEW OF HIGHER EDUCATION
"The overall strength of this volume is its emphasis on practical considerations that an instructor is likely to encounter in creating a distance course. . . . particularly strong in presenting easily understood principles of good practice for those who must plan and implement distance learning."
--EVALUATION & PROGRAM PLANNING
What delivery methods are available to make education accessible to a wide variety of potential learners? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can instructors create effective learning environments in distance courses? What support from administrators and staff is essential? What guidelines are used by accrediting agencies to assure program quality? This highly readable book by three experienced faculty members answers these questions and more. Both theoretical and practical, the book presents proven principles and research-based advice. Drawing upon their experience with a variety of delivery modes, the authors provide readers with tips they can use in designing, implementing, and evaluating distance courses and programs. Instructors and administrators alike will find much valuable assistance, including:
- A wealth of examples and strategies based on field-tested models, student preferences, and the authors' own extensive experiences
- Comprehensive coverage that addresses available delivery options, factors to consider when selecting a delivery mode, designing a syllabus for a distance course, fostering student learning and development, and providing student support services
- Concrete and practical approaches for assessing student learning, conducting course and program evaluation, and addressing accreditation guidelines
- Summary tips and references to web sites that conclude each chapter provide convenient summaries for readers and guide them to additional resources
- A companion web site that illustrates the text's coverage with concrete examples
Drawing upon the rich details provided by the authors, faculty and administrators will be able to meet the challenge of developing and evaluating successful distance learning courses and programs.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
Introduction
- Background and Audience
- Overview of the Contents
- Our Companion Web Site
1. Distance Education: What Is It? And Why Is It Expanding So Rapidly?
- Impacts of Technology on Distance Education
- The Prevalence of Distance Education in the United States
- Societal Changes Contributing to the Growth of Distance Education
- The Impact of Distance Education on Traditional Instruction
- Criticisms of Distance Education
- Conclusion
2. Attracting Students to Distance Learning
- How to Assess the Need and Demand for a Distance Program
- Target Audience
- Instructional Design and Mode of Delivery
- Strategies for Marketing Distance Courses and Programs
- Specific Ideas for Promoting and Marketing Distance Programs
- Conclusion
3. Good Practices in Distance Education: How to Promote Student Learning and Development
- The Good Practices
- Summary Tips
4. The Syllabus for Distance Learning Courses
- What Is a Syllabus?
- More Than a List
- Outline for a Syllabus: Putting It Together
- Other Issues
- Summary Tips
5. Delivery Methods for Distance Education
- Synchronous or Asynchronous?
- Synchronous Delivery Methods
- Asynchronous Delivery Methods
- Conclusion
6. Selecting Delivery Methods
- Fundamental Principles to Observe in Selecting Delivery Methods
- A Decision Tree Approach to Selecting a Delivery Method
- Conclusion
7. Support Services
- Support Services Prior to Enrollment
- Support Services for Enrolled Students
- Support Services After Course or Program Completion
- Summary
8. Ensuring High Completion Rates
- The Problem of Retention
- Retention in Distance Education Programs
- Strategies for Improving Completion Rates
- Summary Tips
9. Assessing Learning Outcomes
- Guiding Principles
- Methods of Assessment
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
10. Program Evaluation
- Evaluating Program Inputs
- Program Processes
- Assessing Outcomes
- Analysis of Costs and Outcomes
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
11. Accrditation
- Guidelines for Distance Learning
- Providing Evidence Regarding the Program's Effectiveness in Meeting the Guidelines
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
Conclusion
Conclusion
Author Index
Author Index
Subjedt Index
Subjedt Index
About the Authors
About the Authors
Reviews
Distance Learning
Principles for Effective Design, Delivery, and Evaluation
September 2001 | 256 pages | Sage US
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover | 28/02/2026 | 9780761920885 | $235.00 |
| Paperback | 28/02/2026 | 9780761920892 | $169.00 |
| 180 Day Ebook | 28/02/2026 | 9781452264264 | $67.00 |
| Lifetime | 28/02/2026 | 9781452264264 | $97.00 |
"This book is a fine example of what is needed for distance learning teachers,
administrators, and evaluators throughout the world. It provides good coverage of the timely topics that face distance educators daily. For those considering starting a distance learning course or program, this book would provide a solid footing upon which to make important decisions."
--REVIEW OF HIGHER EDUCATION
"The overall strength of this volume is its emphasis on practical considerations that an instructor is likely to encounter in creating a distance course. . . . particularly strong in presenting easily understood principles of good practice for those who must plan and implement distance learning."
--EVALUATION & PROGRAM PLANNING
What delivery methods are available to make education accessible to a wide variety of potential learners? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can instructors create effective learning environments in distance courses? What support from administrators and staff is essential? What guidelines are used by accrediting agencies to assure program quality? This highly readable book by three experienced faculty members answers these questions and more. Both theoretical and practical, the book presents proven principles and research-based advice. Drawing upon their experience with a variety of delivery modes, the authors provide readers with tips they can use in designing, implementing, and evaluating distance courses and programs. Instructors and administrators alike will find much valuable assistance, including:
- A wealth of examples and strategies based on field-tested models, student preferences, and the authors' own extensive experiences
- Comprehensive coverage that addresses available delivery options, factors to consider when selecting a delivery mode, designing a syllabus for a distance course, fostering student learning and development, and providing student support services
- Concrete and practical approaches for assessing student learning, conducting course and program evaluation, and addressing accreditation guidelines
- Summary tips and references to web sites that conclude each chapter provide convenient summaries for readers and guide them to additional resources
- A companion web site that illustrates the text's coverage with concrete examples
Drawing upon the rich details provided by the authors, faculty and administrators will be able to meet the challenge of developing and evaluating successful distance learning courses and programs.
Table Of Contents:
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Background and Audience
- Overview of the Contents
- Our Companion Web Site
- 1. Distance Education: What Is It? And Why Is It Expanding So Rapidly?
- Impacts of Technology on Distance Education
- The Prevalence of Distance Education in the United States
- Societal Changes Contributing to the Growth of Distance Education
- The Impact of Distance Education on Traditional Instruction
- Criticisms of Distance Education
- Conclusion
- 2. Attracting Students to Distance Learning
- How to Assess the Need and Demand for a Distance Program
- Target Audience
- Instructional Design and Mode of Delivery
- Strategies for Marketing Distance Courses and Programs
- Specific Ideas for Promoting and Marketing Distance Programs
- Conclusion
- 3. Good Practices in Distance Education: How to Promote Student Learning and Development
- The Good Practices
- Summary Tips
- 4. The Syllabus for Distance Learning Courses
- What Is a Syllabus?
- More Than a List
- Outline for a Syllabus: Putting It Together
- Other Issues
- Summary Tips
- 5. Delivery Methods for Distance Education
- Synchronous or Asynchronous?
- Synchronous Delivery Methods
- Asynchronous Delivery Methods
- Conclusion
- 6. Selecting Delivery Methods
- Fundamental Principles to Observe in Selecting Delivery Methods
- A Decision Tree Approach to Selecting a Delivery Method
- Conclusion
- 7. Support Services
- Support Services Prior to Enrollment
- Support Services for Enrolled Students
- Support Services After Course or Program Completion
- Summary
- 8. Ensuring High Completion Rates
- The Problem of Retention
- Retention in Distance Education Programs
- Strategies for Improving Completion Rates
- Summary Tips
- 9. Assessing Learning Outcomes
- Guiding Principles
- Methods of Assessment
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
- 10. Program Evaluation
- Evaluating Program Inputs
- Program Processes
- Assessing Outcomes
- Analysis of Costs and Outcomes
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
- 11. Accrditation
- Guidelines for Distance Learning
- Providing Evidence Regarding the Program's Effectiveness in Meeting the Guidelines
- Conclusion
- Summary Tips
- Conclusion
- Author Index
- Subjedt Index
- About the Authors