Distance Learning in Higher Education: A Programmatic Approach to Planning, Design, Instruction, Evaluation, and Accreditation (0) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Michael K. Ponton (Author), Jason D. Baker (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

''This book is an effective blend of theory and practice -- one that instructors, students, and administrators in higher education should keep close at hand for quick reference and practical advice on what works in distance learning.'' --Laurie P. Dringus, Nova Southeastern University, Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

''A fine addition to the literature about distance learning. The key topics concerning gender, strategy, assessment, instructional methods, and evaluation will be of interest to the online learning community.'' --John Bourne, Executive Director, The Sloan Consortium

This useful resource describes best practices for designing online programs and courses. Translating research on the learning characteristics of adult university students and their experiences with online learning into practical guidelines, the authors address topics such as: program and course planning, design and delivery; multicultural and gender issues; program evaluation; student evaluation of online teaching, and institutional and program accreditation. The text includes resources such as online course materials and assessment tasks that are culturally responsive and implement the strategies presented in the book. Providing a roadmap for those wishing to design and implement a distance learning program, this up-to-date volume explains how to facilitate and moderate interactions using a constructivist approach, presents strategies that respond to race- and gender-related challenges, provides a model for evaluating distance education programs, identifies strategies that promote valid and reliable evaluations of online teaching, and addresses institution and distance education program accreditation issues.

About the Author

Alfred P. Rovai teaches online courses in statistics, strategic planning, and program evaluation in blended EdD and PhD programs at the School of Education, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Michael K. Ponton is professor of education at Regent University where he teaches courses in research design. Jason D. Baker is an associate professor of education at Regent University and a consultant on the development and management of online learning programs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Teachers College Press (June 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807748781
• ISBN-13: 978-0807748787
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #399,620 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review, July 1, 2008

By	Timothy Spaulding "L. Spaulding" (Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What makes the book special and sets it apart from others on the market is that it considers distance learning at the college and university levels from the program level rather than the course level. There are numerous books on how to design and deliver an effective online course, but far fewer which consider how to design and deliver an effective online degree program.

To borrow from the book's description: "This useful resource describes best practices for designing online programs and courses. Providing a roadmap for those wishing to design and implement a distance learning program, this up-to-date volume explains how to facilitate and moderate interactions using a constructivist approach, presents strategies that respond to race- and gender-related challenges, provides a model for evaluating distance education programs, identifies strategies that promote valid and reliable evaluations of online teaching, and addresses institution and distance education program accreditation issues." The book is divided as follows.

Chapter 1 - Concepts of Distance Learning: theoretical foundations of distance learning including constructivism, adult teaching and learning, computer-mediated communication, sense of community, presence, self-directed and autonomous learning, and social equity; and communication tools and conferencing tools

Chapter 2 - Gender: gendered impacts of online technologies, gender-specific teaching roles, gender-specific learning differences, and strategies for overcoming gender challenges to online learning

Chapter 3 - Culture: situational challenges (e.g., digital divide, personal costs, computer-mediated communication, and racism), dispositional challenges (e.g., field dependency, high/low context communication, and collectivism/individualism), and multicultural education

Chapter 4 - Strategic Planning: identification of program need, the strategic planning process, distance education planning challenges and strategies

Chapter 5 - Program and Course Design: program and course design models, instructional design approaches, online learning technologies, copyright and fair use standards, and accessibility in distance education

Chapter 6 - Assessment of Student Learning: types of assessments (e.g., independent work and group work) and academic dishonesty (e.g., identity fraud and plagiarism)

Chapter 7 - Online Discussions: planning student engagement (e.g., socioemotional interactions, task-oriented interactions, feedback, burnout, and participation rubrics) and conducting online (i.e., facilitating and moderating discussions) discussions

Chapter 8 - Program Evaluation: evaluability assessment, types of evaluation, standards and benchmarks

Chapter 9 - Institution and Program Accreditation: accreditation process and distance education

Chapter 10 - Course Evaluation: multistage course evaluation model

Chapter 11 - Summary and Conclusion

Appendix A - Example Extract from a Strategic Plan

Appendix B - Analytic Participation Rubric

Appendix C - Evidence of Quality Distance Learning Programs
Glossary

References

Index

About the Authors

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent text!, June 10, 2009

By	T. Corsico Piccolino "Avid reader" (Vigevano, PV Italy) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is probably one of the best comprehensive texts concerning online educational programs that I've ever read. It's an excellent blend of theory and practice and it covers every aspect of designing and implementing successful online education programs. This text covers everything from understanding gender & cultural learner differences to effective course design and initiating student discussions to strategic planning and student assessments. This is an excellent text for any DE library.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Survive and thrive in online education, July 19, 2008

By	Nancy Savenko (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Greetings! This book is a must read for any administrator, faculty, or staff personnel looking to survive or thrive in the increasingly important but competitive market of delivering distance learning in higher education. The author's, professors experienced with various facets of online education, succinctly address essential components needed to design, deliver, and evaluate an effective online degree program. In addition, the author's outline the theoretical foundation for distance learning, include considerations to address the challenges of diverse learners', provide useful information to both assess student learning and increase student engagement, and identify issues and red flags for accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.