Distance learning : principles for effective design, delivery, and evaluation / Chandra Mohan Mehrotra, C. David Hollister, Lawrence McGahey.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mehrotra, Chandra.

Contributor:

Hollister, C. David.

McGahey, Lawrence

James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Distance education--Curricula.

Distance education.

Education, Higher--Curricula.

Education, Higher.

Instructional systems--Design.

Instructional systems.

Physical Description:

xiii, 242 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Sage Publications, [2001]

Summary:

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

Contents:

1. Distance Education: What Is It? And Why Is It Expanding So Rapidly? 1

Impacts of Technology on Distance Education 2

The Prevalence of Distance Education in the United States 4

Societal Changes Contributing to the Growth of Distance Education 6

The Impact of Distance Education on Traditional Instruction 9

Criticisms of Distance Education 11

2. Attracting Students to Distance Learning 15

How to Assess the Need and Demand for a Distance Program 16

Target Audience 19

Instructional Design and Mode of Delivery 20

Strategies for Marketing Distance Courses and Programs 21

Specific Ideas for Promoting and Marketing Distance Programs 23

3. Good Practices in Distance Education: How to Promote Student Learning and Development 29

4. The Syllabus for Distance Learning Courses 53

More Than a List 55

Outline for a Syllabus: Putting It Together 56

Other Issues 66

5. Delivery Methods for Distance Education 69

Synchronous or Asynchronous? 70

Synchronous Delivery Methods 72

Asynchronous Delivery Methods 76

6. Selecting Delivery Methods 95

Fundamental Principles to Observe in Selecting Delivery Methods 96

A Decision Tree Approach to Selecting a Delivery Method 105

7. Support Services 115

Support Services Prior to Enrollment 118

Support Services for Enrolled Students 124

Support Services After Course or Program Completion 132

8. Ensuring High Completion Rates 139

The Problem of Retention 140

Retention in Distance Education Programs 140

Strategies for Improving Completion Rates 144

9. Assessing Learning Outcomes 153

Methods of Assessment 160

10. Program Evaluation 173

Evaluating Program Inputs 176

Program Processes 179

Assessing Outcomes 181

Analysis of Costs and Outcomes 188

11. Accreditation 195

Guidelines for Distance Learning 196

Providing Evidence Regarding the Program's Effectiveness in Meeting the Guidelines 199.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

ISBN:

0761920897

OCLC:

46976510