Wow! eBook
Distance Learning: Principles for Effective Design, Delivery, and Evaluation
Author(s): Chandra M. Mehrotra (Author), C. David Hollister (Author), Lawrence McGahey (Author)
- Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
- Publication Date: 6 Nov. 2001
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 256 pages
- ISBN-10: 0761920889
- ISBN-13: 9780761920885
Book Description
“This book is a fine example of what is needed for distance learning teachers,
administrators, and evaluators throughout the world. It provides good coverage of the timely topics that face distance educators daily. For those considering starting a distance learning course or program, this book would provide a solid footing upon which to make important decisions.”
—REVIEW OF HIGHER EDUCATION
“The overall strength of this volume is its emphasis on practical considerations that an instructor is likely to encounter in creating a distance course. . . . particularly strong in presenting easily understood principles of good practice for those who must plan and implement distance learning.”
–EVALUATION & PROGRAM PLANNING
What delivery methods are available to make education accessible to a wide variety of potential learners? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How can instructors create effective learning environments in distance courses? What support from administrators and staff is essential? What guidelines are used by accrediting agencies to assure program quality? This highly readable book by three experienced faculty members answers these questions and more. Both theoretical and practical, the book presents proven principles and research-based advice. Drawing upon their experience with a variety of delivery modes, the authors provide readers with tips they can use in designing, implementing, and evaluating distance courses and programs. Instructors and administrators alike will find much valuable assistance, including:
- A wealth of examples and strategies based on field-tested models, student preferences, and the authors′ own extensive experiences
- Comprehensive coverage that addresses available delivery options, factors to consider when selecting a delivery mode, designing a syllabus for a distance course, fostering student learning and development, and providing student support services
- Concrete and practical approaches for assessing student learning, conducting course and program evaluation, and addressing accreditation guidelines
- Summary tips and references to web sites that conclude each chapter provide convenient summaries for readers and guide them to additional resources
- A companion web site that illustrates the text′s coverage with concrete examples
Drawing upon the rich details provided by the authors, faculty and administrators will be able to meet the challenge of developing and evaluating successful distance learning courses and programs.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The overall strength of this volume is its emphasis on practical considerations that an instructor is likely to encounter in creating a distance course. . . . particularly strong in presenting easily understood principles of good practice for those who must plan and implement distance learning.”
— EVALUATION & PROGRAM PLANNING
“This book is a fine example of what is needed for distance learning teachers,
administrators, and evaluators throughout the world. It provides good coverage of the timely topics that face distance educators daily. For those considering starting a distance learning course or program, this book would provide a solid footing upon which to make important decisions.” — REVIEW OF HIGHER EDUCATION
About the Author
C. David Hollister is Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. Since 1993 he has been actively involved in the development and accreditation of the school’s Master of Social Work distance education program, and he teaches distance learning courses on community practice methods and on substance abuse. He has published a number of articles evaluating distance education and has presented papers on distance education at meetings of the Council on Social Work Education, at the annual University of South Carolina Conference on Educational Technology in Social Work, and at international conferences. He is Associate Secretary General for the Inter-University Consortium for International Social Development and is member of the editorial board of Social Development Issues. His research and teaching activities have been supported by the Blandin Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, the Bush Foundation, and the National Institute on Alcohol Addiction and Abuse.
Lawrence McGahey is Associate Professor, Chair of the Chemistry Department, and Chair of the Natural Sciences Division at The College of St. Scholastica. He has been involved in the development of St. Scholatistca’s distance education program as a member of the Graduate Council and Graduate Curriculum Committee. In addition, he has experience both in developing and incorporating web-based instructional materials into science courses. His research and teaching efforts have been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Research Corporation, and the U.S. Department of Education. He is also a manuscript reviewer and annotator for the Journal of Chemical Education.
