Distance Education And Distributed Learning

At a time of increasing globalisation, the concept of open and distance learning is being constantly redefined. New technologies have opened up new ways of understanding and participating in Learning. Distributed Learning offers a collection of perspectives from a social and cultural practice-based viewpoint, with contributions from leading international authors in the field. Key issues in this comprehensive text are: *the challenges of ICT to traditional teaching and learning practices *the value and relevance of 'activity theory' and 'communities of practice' in educational institutions and the workplace *perspectives on the relationship between globalisation and distributed learning, and the breakdown of distinctions between global and local contexts *issues of identity and community in designing courses for the virtual student *language and literacies in distributed learning contexts This book provides useful introductory reading, building a sound theoretical framework for practitioners interested in how distributed learning is shaping post-compulsory education.

"This volume will appeal to a wide array of readers, from novices to those already working in the field. Recommended for all collections." --CHOICE "Reference literature has been hard put to keep pace with its (distance learning) changes so the appearance of an Encyclopedia is most welcome. Recommended for academic and public libraries." --LIBRARY JOURNAL In today′s fast-paced world, with multiple demands on time and resources as well as pressures for career advancement and productivity, self-directed learning is an increasingly popular and practical alternative in continuing education. The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning defines and applies the best practices of contemporary continuing education designed for adults in corporate settings, Open University settings, graduate coursework, and in similar learning environments. Written for a wide audience in the distance and continuing education field, the Encyclopedia is a valuable resource for deans and administrators at universities and colleges, reference librarians in academic and public institutions, HR officials involved with continuing education/training programs in corporate settings, and those involved in the academic disciplines of Education, Psychology, Information Technology, and Library Science. Sponsored by The Fielding Graduate Institute, this extensive reference work is edited by long-time institute members, bringing with them the philosophy and authoritative background of this premier institution. The Fielding Graduate Institute is well known for offering mid-career professionals opportunities for self-directed, mentored study with the flexibility of time and location that enables students to maintain commitments to family, work, and community. The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning includes over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area, giving the reader comprehensive coverage of all aspects of distributed learning, including use of group processes, self-assessment, the life line experience, and developing a learning contract. Topics Covered Administrative Processes Policy, Finance and Governance Social and Cultural Perspectives Student and Faculty Issues Teaching and Learning Processes and Technologies Technical Tools and Supports Key Features * A-to-Z organization plus Reader′s Guide groups entries by broad topic areas * Over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area * Comprehensive index and cross-references between entries add to the encyclopedia′s ease of use * Annotated listings for additional resources, including distance learning programs, print and non-print resources, and conferences Advisory Board Tony Bates University of British Columbia Gregory S. Blimling Appalachian State University Ellie Chambers The Open University, U.K. Paul Duguid University of California, Berkeley Kenneth C. Green The Campus Computing Project Linda Harasim Simon Fraser University Sally Johnstone WCET Sara Kiesler Carnegie Mellon University William Maehl Fielding Graduate Institute Michael G. Moore Pennsylvania State University Jeremy Shapiro Fielding Graduate Institute Ralph A. Wolff Executive Director, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Writing Across Distances and Disciplines addresses questions that cross borders between onsite, hybrid, and distributed learning environments, between higher education and the workplace, and between distance education and composition pedagogy. This groundbreaking volume raises critical issues, clarifies key terms, reviews history and theory, analyzes current research, reconsiders pedagogy, explores specific applications of WAC and WID in distributed environments, and considers what business and education might teach one another about writing and learning. Exploring the intersection of writing across the curriculum, composition studies, and distance learning , it provides an in-depth look at issues of importance to students, faculty, and administrators regarding the technological future of writing and learning in higher education.

This book makes a contribution to the field of distance education by presenting key perspectives on the state of the field and examining and discussing specific current trends and issues faced by the distance learning community. To this end, the book brings together Quarterly Review of Distance Education’s most respected authors and other internationally known experts in the field of distance education to provide insight into a wide array of themes revolving around current work on communities of learning in distance education.

This collection of papers is the result of a workshop sponsored by NATO's Defense Research Group Panel 8 during the Fall of 1993. The workshop was held at the University of German Armed Forces at Neubiberg (Munich) Germany 29 September-l October, 1993. Robert J. Seidel Paul R. Chatelier U.S. Army Research Institute for the Executive Office of the President Behavioral and Social Sciences Office of Science and Technology Policy Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. v PREFACE We would like to thank the authors of the papers for providing an excellent coverage of this rapidly developing technology, the session chairpersons for providing excellent structure and management for each group of papers, and each session's discussant's for their summary and personal views of their sessions papers. Our special thanks go to Dr. Rolfe Otte, the German ministry of Defense's research study group member and the person responsible for our being able to have this workshop in Munich. We are also grateful to Dr. H. Closhen of the IABG for technical and administrative assistance throughout the planning and conduct of the workshop.

This book explores foundational theories that have been applied in open and distance education (ODE) research and refined to reflect advances in research and practice. In addition, it develops new theories emerging from recent developments in ODE. The book provides a unique and up-to-date source of information for ODE scholars and graduate students, enabling them to make sense of essential theory, research and practice in their field, and to comprehend the gaps in, and need for further enquiry into, theoretical approaches in the digital era. It also offers theory-based advice and guidelines for practitioners, helping them make and justify decisions and actions concerning the development, implementation, research and evaluation of ODE.