Customer Reviews

Teach Beyond Your Reach: An Instructor's Guide to Developing and Running Successful Distance Learning Classes, Workshops, Training Sessions and More

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Instructors interested in better meeting student needs through different teaching approaches will welcome TEACH BEYOND YOUR REACH: AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE TO DEVELOPING AND RUNNING SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE LEARNING CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, TRAINING SESSIONS AND MORE. Distance learning is one of the fastest-growing learning options in the country, allowing individuals to earn degrees, certifications and gain skills without entering a classroom. TEACH BEYOND YOUR REACH covers the basics of a successful distance learning approach and shares practices and examples from successful teachers. A fine pick for any teacher entering the cyberworld.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

Great Book! I use the resources in the book to better explain the process of developing an online course to the instructors I work with. The only downside is that the links in the book seem to be broken and that's a shame.

Every new endeavor starts somewhere and this book is a great place to start thinking about your organization's first online educational offerings. Author Robin Neidorf combines the basics of good teaching and instructional design with the realities of the online medium. She explores the different types of adult learners (perpetual learner vs. outcome oriented learners) and how to address them. She explores the factors that lead to e-learning success: collaborative community, availability of material that appeals to six different learning types, the ability of the instructor to connect with the students individually, the need for feedback, and more.

If you're going down this path for the first time, this book provides an excellent framework for approaching your project. The author also provides valuable references to online resources.

Highly recommended.

Teach Beyond Your Reach is a terrific resource for everyone who has to deliver knowledge from a distance. True, professional teachers and trainers who need to move their courses online will benefit from Neidorf's systematic approach to developing online instruction as well as her highly engaging and supportive writing style. However, others who find themselves in an unfamiliar teaching role -- for example, non-profits creating courses for their members or librarians delivering online information skills training -- will also appreciate the author's discussion of adult learning styles, her coverage of various distance teaching tools and activities, and her jargon-free presentation. This excellent resource is an easy-to-use, informative, and actionable guide of great value for anyone contemplating teaching at a distance, especially online. I have used it several times for course preparation, and always benefited from Neidorf's practical recommendations.

Training is part of my business, and Teach Beyond Your Reach has been both educational and energizing for me. It is the perfect companion to have at your side when you are making the leap from in-person to distance teaching. The book coaches teachers and trainers on the fundamental concepts and processes behind effective distance instruction, on making a connection when you are not there in the classroom. It is for teachers, not necessarily for techies. Chapter 1 surveys the range of tools and technologies involved, but the focus is on the teaching/learning aspects--adapting core learner-centric teaching skills to the new environment. Aside from the "distance" aspect, the book is useful for tips about communicating with learners no matter what the communication medium. College teachers, professional trainers, and organizations offering continuing education to their constituents could all benefit from this book.