The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning: A ``How to Get Started Guide'' for Trainers and Human Resources Professionals [Hardcover]

Alan Chute (Author), Burton Hancock (Author), Melody Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

This text outlines how to get started using distance learning technologies such as videoconferencing and online multi-media training modules. It shows how to obtain management support for distance learning, how to decide which technologies to use and how much they cost to implement and operate.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Bring cutting-edge learning to your organization. Successful distance learning programs don't just happen; they're the result of thoughtful and informed planning and implementation. The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning is a comprehensive reference guide to the complex issues involved in planning and implementing a distance learning program for your organization. Whether you are responsible for convincing management to fund a distance learning pilot program, implementing a complete distance learning solution, or helping trainers and users adapt to a new distance learning system, the Handbook will be your best advisor. Written by practicing experts in the field, The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning offers a comprehensive answer to the question of how to bring distance learning to your organization. The Handbook will teach you step-by-step how to: cut your training costs significantly; determine your needs up front; make sound decisions about which competing technology to adopt; design effective distance learning and supporting materials; keep the focus on training content and quality, not on the technology delivering it; create a cross-functional team for recommending the best approach to distance learning for your organization; assess the costs involved and get financial backing from management; adapt existing programs to a distance learning format; effectively use videoconferencing, audio-conferencing, the Internet, etc.; plan and design distance learning facilities. If your organization is ready to implement distance learning, The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning is the resource you need to make it happen.

About the Author

Alan Chute, Ph.D., is the chief learning strategist and director of the Center for Excellence in Distance Learning at Lucent Technologies, the worldwide leader in innovative communication equipment. Dr. Chute developed the AT&T National Teletraining Center and Teletraining Networks, which won the 10-Year Distinguished Service to the Industry award from the United States Distance Learning Association. With over twenty-five years of professional experience in distance learning, Dr. Chute has authored more than fifty articles on a range of subjects, including advanced learning systems, reengineering the training organization, and the future of distance learning. He has also taught at the university level and was director of a statewide medical distance learning program. Melody Thompson, D.Ed., is the Assistant Director of Penn StateÕs World Campus, the University new unit for delivering programs to distance learners around the world. She is also an Assistant Professor of Adult Education, teaching graduate-level courses in distance learning and adult education. Dr. Thompson has written and co-authored many articles, book chapters, and publications on distance learning, the history of adult education, and diversity issues in education and was previously a writer and editor for The American Journal of Distance Education. Burton Hancock, Ph.D., is Director of the Nationwide Insurance Performance Improvement Organization with responsibility for the training of more than 20,000 property casualty company employees and agents. A former senior manager at Ernst & Young, he led the training effort for their business process reengineering. He also worked for AT&T, where he developed computer-based training and on-line testing and performance support tools.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 236 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070120285
• ISBN-13: 978-0070120280
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,071,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A solid introduction to Distance Learning, June 6, 2000

By 

Beth K Blum (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning: A ``How to Get Started Guide'' for Trainers and Human Resources Professionals (Hardcover)

This book is for those who want to learn more about distance learning, but don't know where to begin. The title of the book says "An Implementation Guide for Trainers and Human Resources Professionals" but this book would be helpful to any manager involved in distance learning, whether it is developing a program or evaluating the feasibility of implementation. Chapters include basic overviews of audio, video and web-based learning, determining if your company is ready and program design & delivery. The book includes some valuable information about the differences between the different methods of distance learning. This is a no-nonsense approach without a lot of fluff, but offers some sensible, solid content and a good introduction to the topic. Recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Wisdom, February 21, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning: A ``How to Get Started Guide'' for Trainers and Human Resources Professionals (Hardcover)

This book offers practical wisdom on how to successfully design and implement a distance learning system. It is written by proven professionals who know what it takes to get a major change initiative completed in the corporate environment. I highly recommend the book!