Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet [Paperback]

Lynnette R. Porter (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471178306 | ISBN-13: 978-0471178309 | Publication Date: April 21, 1997 | Edition: 1

Whether it's simply a class on telecommunications and education, a full-blown M.B.A. degree program, or something in between, today's technology has vast implications for the educational community.

Creating the Virtual Classroom gets right down to the real issues of the design and management of distance learning programs -giving practical advice on putting together effective courses and programs. You'll find out how to propose, plan, and fund a distance learning program for any level from kindergarten through college. You'll learn all of the techniques you'll need to evaluate and advertise your program. There's in-depth coverage of all the latest technologies, including the Internet and the Web, as well as an illuminating chapter on reconceptualizing education and training through distance learning. Special appendices offer up-to-date information about newsgroups and mailing lists, instructional Web sites, online resources for grants and proposals, and much more.

The book features:
* Comprehensive coverage of the various forms of distance learning from e-mail and online teleconferences to the World Wide Web
* Sample checklists to make planning easier
* Tips on advertising and promoting your distance learning program
* Detailed advice on funding and grants
* Course design considerations for an international audience

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

There is less technology here than in McCormack's book (above), but Porter presents a better conceptual approach to web education. She doesn't let either technology or reality get in her way as she discusses the possibilities and pitfalls. Porter examines the analysis and design issues for all types of distance learning and compares the use of teleconferencing, desktop video conferencing, and multiuser domains (MUDs). She even looks at funding options. A good introduction, this is recommended for the managers who need to get an overview, write the grants, and hire the techies.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

This book introduces the concept of distance learning and the current uses of it by educational practitioners. The author discusses how to propose, plan and budget for a distance learning program for any level from kindergarten through college. The book also covers different types of distance learning, from email, to Web sites, to online conferencing. Checklists are provided throughout the book for planning.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471178306
• ISBN-13: 978-0471178309
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #781,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Writing has always been a passion, and I'm fortunate to split my working time between teaching in a university and writing a wide variety of books, articles, and reviews.

As an undergraduate, I studied history and radio/TV/film, which turned out to be a great foundation for my writing. I branched off into technical communication during my graduate days at Bowling Green State University in Ohio (M.A. and Ph.D.), and for more than 20 years I've been a teacher and (now a former) consultant/trainer/technical writer. Recently my teaching and writing interests once again have turned toward popular culture.

I've always loved J. R. R. Tolkien's work and became a LotR fan when I was 14. In the past few years I've been lucky to meet other authors and fans who have been influenced by Tolkien's works. My upcoming projects involve more writing about Tolkien and LotR, as well as Peter Jackson's films.

Well-written television (yes, I'm passionate about writing!) intrigues me, and I'm fascinated by Lost's characters and the plot twists that often trip them up. I enjoy talking about Lost--so let me know what you think of this series!

When I'm not sitting in front of a screen--TV, computer, or movie, I work in Daytona Beach, Florida, where I don't go to the beach nearly as often as I'd like!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very lightweight book, April 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet (Paperback)

I found this book to be very lightweight -- anyone with experience with the Web or with Web design will find little here that is not common sense. Very disappointing.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book. Helped me outline my research paper, March 18, 2000

By 

"devinschool" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet (Paperback)

I found this book to be a useful introduction to creating a virtual classroom. I am a student studying instructional technology and it has helped me put together the outline for my research paper. The book is not technical, nor is it a guide for online curriculum. What it does is discusses at an introductory level the tools of creating an online classroom.

I thought it was a great book as a brief overview of key issues of importance for creating a virtual classroom. It helped guide my web sourcing while I put together a public interest web site utilizing free internet service providers. I am now ready to move to the next phase of development with my web site. I have a clear understanding of what comes next.

I would recommend this book to students and people beginning their quest to understand the tools of the virtual classroom.

Graduate Student Instructional Technology

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview for beginners, October 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet (Paperback)

I found that the text filled in some blank spots around what I already know. It also provided a good outline not necessarily for the technical side of things, but more from a theoretical approach. It answers the questions that begin with, "Why?"