Building Online Learning Communities: Effective Strategies for the Virtual Classroom (Jossey Bass Higher and Adult Education Series) (Paperback)

by Rena M. Palloff (Author), Keith Pratt (Author)
Key Phrases: transformative learning process, online learning community, electronic pedagogy, Reading Quiz, Second Life, Team Activity (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
" . . .the authors' central premise is that a collaborative learning community is the best vehicle for distance education." (Journal of Continuing Higher Education, Fall 2007)

"There will be a range of 'ah ha' moments for the reader working with students in building online learning communities." (NACADA, Nov 20, 2007)

Review
"The focus on community makes this volume distinctive in the literature about online teaching and learning. The authors' expertise spans the nitty-gritty, practical aspects of the virtual classroom with the larger questions and context of twenty-first century education. This book goes way beyond the how-to's of online education to a sophisticated consideration of the major challenges of teaching and learning."
—Anna DiStefano, provost, Fielding Graduate University

"This book captures the essence of a successful virtual learning experience for both students and teachers. Palloff and Pratt share valuable insights that only expert practitioners could so clearly explain."
—David Wicks, director of instructional technology, Seattle Pacific University

"As the physical and virtual worlds converge to become the 'real world' of teaching and learning, communities play increasingly important roles in bridging distances and differences. This book underscores the real value that communities bring to distributed learning experiences, and gives readers plenty of guidance and advice for creating communities that connect, engage, and inspire."
—Ellen Wagner, senior director, WW eLearning Solutions, Adobe Systems

"This book is a must-read for faculty who truly want to help students understand and apply knowledge, and thus prepare for life in the twenty-first century. Palloff and Pratt have reaffirmed their roles as educational leaders in the development of online learning communities, reminding us of the significant benefits of such communities to learners at all levels."
—Jack A. Chambers, executive director, Office of Organizational Learning Services, Florida Community College at Jacksonville

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 2 edition (July 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787988251
• ISBN-13: 978-0787988258
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,898 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Distance Learning Professionals, July 30, 2007

By	Kenneth Fairbanks (Abingdon, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is quite simply one the best books on distance learning that I have read. Palloff and Pratt provide a well researched investigation into developing communities online.

The first part of the book goes to great length in defining distance learning and community. The authors provide both empirical and anecdotal evidence to support their claim that community building online is critical to distance learning success. They do a wonderful job stepping the reader through the psychological process of developing an online community and detailing the impact it can have on learning.

Their approach to instructional design moves the instructor into a collaborative and transformative learning model that places students at the center. Instructors become facilitators guiding student discussion and exploration. This stands in stark contrast to the chalk and talk lecture model that many instructors attempt to replicate in distance learning.

Part two of the book is a hands-on guide to best practices for building online learning communities. It covers everything from initial course design and maintaining a collaborative environment to student and course evaluation.

If you are involved in distance learning and online training... I would strongly recommend this book. It was published in July 2007 and is very up-to-date with references to blogging, wikis and social networks like Facebook and My Space. It's a great read a wonderful reference.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Listed in good condition, it is not, May 10, 2009

By	D.D. - See all my reviews

The book was listed with you as being in 'Good' condition. It is not. Every page has ink pen (lines) underlining sentences unevenly. At some points the lines go into the words of the sentence above or below it, making them hard to discipher.