Modern Methods Of Lifelong Learning And Distance Education

Provides theoretical understanding of the link between open and lifelong learning and online distance education. Offers a critical discussion of distance, open and lifelong learning, with a focus on new and emerging challenges of online distance education in global learning communities.

This unique and comprehensive overview of open and distance education is written by one of the best known names in the field. It integrates historical, contemporary and future aspects of distance education. Packed with international case studies, it goes beyond looking at the methods and technology of distance education, giving Otto Peters' renowned visions on the sociological and social impacts of distance education. Now published in paperback for the first time, this new edition includes a new section on virtual universities. A major contribution to thinking on open and distance education, this new edition will reach an even wider audience.

An Introduction to Distance Education is a comprehensive look at the field of distance education, outlining current theories, practices, and goals that are essential to effective design, delivery, and navigation. As an alternative pedagogical approach, distance education is posited to meet the evolving demands for access, affordability, and quality in higher education. This fully revised and updated second edition reviews the history of distance education while addressing its current influence on the education sector. Utilizing a student-guided approach, chapters offer pedagogical features to engage and support the teaching and learning process, including: questions for reflection, review, and discussion: students can use these questions as triggers for further thoughts related to the topic. Instructors can use these questions for classroom and online discussion key quotations: strategically placed throughout the text, these points act as a springboard for further reflection and classroom discussion concept definitions: central concepts discussed in the text are defined for students at the end of each chapter. Driven by seminal contributors who are researching and shaping our understanding and practice of distance education today, An Introduction to Distance Education offers a solid foundation from which to explore and develop new approaches to designing and implementing online courses.

In a contemporary media-rich society, distance education is becoming increasingly indistinguishable from mainstream traditional methods. Contemporary students, too, have greater need than ever before for education that caters to their specific needs and hectic schedules. Outlooks and Opportunities in Blended and Distance Learning investigates the impact of the digital age on various methods of distance education, such as e-learning, virtual learning, online learning, and m-learning. Researchers, educators, and students currently engaged in or looking to implement distance education principles in their own practices will find a seminal reference collection exploring new methods of offering flexibility, accessibility, and freedom to students with a variety of educational backgrounds, situations, and needs.

Distance Learning in America is characterised by an enormous variety of institutions, programs, media and pedagogical methods. This book attempts to draw together an overall picture of the rapid growth and achievements in the field of American distance education and the problems and issues that confront it. The book is aimed primarily at the university and college teacher and student, and particularly at graduate students in adult and distance education and other related fields. It aims to provide a cross-sectional view of the administrative and policy issues, the questions about learners and instruction, the problems of curriculum and course design and the new conceptual and theoretical concerns of some of the country's foremost practitioners and thinkers.