Product Description

The field of distance learning is growing in importance and size.  This introductory distance education textbook gives readers the basic information they need to be knowledgeable distance educators.  Understanding that most students would prefer to sit in a classroom, the book offers practical solutions for providing equivalent opportunities for various ways of learning.  Distance education requires considerable pre-planning in order to be effective, and yet when designed and delivered correctly, it allows the teacher to move beyond the simple delivery of content to the guiding of the learning process.  This book is the most comprehensive and widely adopted for distance learning courses and also provides the most visuals.  It fills the need for a research-based book about the best practices in distance education. 

Customer Reviews (10)

Great product, fast delivery!
The product was in great condition and shipped extremely fast! I was extremely please with both the product and service.

book
Book came ok.
No tracking info, and the wait was a bit long.
worth the price though

Intro to Distance Ed
Well organized comprehensive assessment of the current research on Distance Ed.Read it cover to cover - get it today!

A good beginning
This book is informative, but tends to state the obvious a little too much. It is a good beginning for people who know little to nothing about Distance Education. Some portions are interesting, while others are more boring than they need to be. It isn't the best resource for administrators. But for a beginner's text, it is adequate.

TEC565 TEXTBOOK
I like this textbook...it is user friendly and well organized. It also offers a plethora of information for learning how to start a distance learning course from the foundation up. I will definitely keep this book for reference after the class is over. ... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive and authoritative text on the subject, DISTANCE EDUCATION, SECOND EDITION retains its emphasis on a systems approach in the organization and selection of material. The authors apply their long and broad experience to the task of selecting from, and clarifying, information on the theory, research, and practice of distance education, including how to design and teach courses, the technologies employed, characteristics of learners, organizational structures, and policy perspectives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Distance Education-A systems view
The book by Moore and Kearsley, 2005. Distance Education-A systems view gives in-depth knowledge on distance education and developments in the field. This book is valuable for education institutions who wish to embark on distance education.

For students studying education and the practise of distance education, this book explains teaching at a distance in detail. Technology and media in distance education such as print, audio and video, radio and television, teleconferencing,computer-based learning and media and technology selection and or integration are describe with references to transformation into unimagined technology application in learning.

Distance education and instructional design are explained in detail. The challenges for higher education are referred to and the transformation needed to position themselves is evident in this book. The authors gave benchmarks for success throughout the book which is helpful in the planning and maintaining of vibrant distance education initiatives.

References to support material and web based links make this book a definite must on every distance educator's desk.

Distance Education: A LONG time ago
This book is no longer timely. It was published/copyrighted in 2005. The information that it contains is no longer applicable to modern distance/virtual learning. The author downplays audio and video streaming related to distance learning because in 2005 it was not as prevalent. Futhermore, it does not take into account the trend of ALL colleges and universities moving in this direction.

The systems view information regarding course design is good - but everything else is outdated.

I recommend you find another book that is more timely.

Moore and Kearsley - Dist. Ed A Systems View (2nd Edition)
Second Edition (2005). Fantastic book. Very well written, loaded with useful info. On a par with Simonson's Teaching and Learning at a Distance (maybe better). Highly recommend.

Broad summary
Perhaps this book was written for policy-makers.It's not very specific about curriculum design nor technology, if that's what you are looking for. It does a pretty job of citing other research and case-studies ofimplementation.It also seems to state a lot of "basics": like"The study guide should do more than merely present subject matter. Itshould contain directions and guidance for the students..." (page 79). This doesn't seem very insightful nor specific to distance education.

This is a MUST for distance educators!
"Distance Education: A Systems View" is a wonderful book for novices and seasoned professionals. It offers a board and deep foundation for the design, development, and delivery of distance education programs. There is a balance between conceptual and theoretical information, and a wealth ofpractical advice. It is written in easy to understand language, presents interesting case studies, and provides a solid bibliography ... Read more

Product Description
This book is an essential guide to the use of technology in flexible and distance learning. The author argues that technology is not inherently good or bad for teaching - it's the way it is used that matters. This update of the highly successful first edition provides criteria and guidelines for the design and delivery of effective teaching using modern learning technologies, and pays particular attention to the use of the Internet for distance and flexible education. ... Read more

Product Description

Designated a Doody's Core Title!

The second edition of the award winning Distance Education in Nursing continues to offer basic introductory information on distance teaching and learning and now brings the application of newly developed computer technology to this environment.Each chapter provides real-life distance education experiences ofboth teachers and students, and describes ways in which distance education has enhanced the quality of their nursing education. As a nurse educator, whether novice or expert, you will benefit from this book, written by such distinguished contributors as Diane Billings, Suzanne Hetzel Campbell, and Marilyn H. Oermann.

Product Description
Distance education and training provision has expandeddramatically over the past few years. This best-selling introductionto the field has helped many to understand the origins and backgroundof distance education, and has been used by students and professionalsas a guide to policy and practice. It has been updated in the light ofthe developments in recent years in Eastern Europe, and the enormousadvances in the use of new technologies. A new case study of distanceeducation in China is also included. ... Read more

Product Description

The second edition of this award-winning book continues the mission of its predecessor, to provide a comprehensive compendium of research in all aspects of distance education, arguably the most significant development in education over the past quarter century. While the book deals with education that uses technology, the focus is on teaching and learning and how its management can be facilitated through technology. Key features include:
 
Comprehensive coverage includes all aspects of distance education including design, instruction, management, policy, and a section on different audiences.
 
Chapter Structure: Chapter authors frame their topic in terms of empirical research (past and present) and discuss the nature of current practice in terms of that research. Future research needs are discussed in relation to both confirmed practice and recent changes in the field.
 
Theoretical Foundation: Section one provides a unique review of the theories that support distance education pedagogy.
 
Global Perspective: Section six provides a unique review of distance education as a component of a global culture.
 
New Material: All chapters have been updated and approximately one third are either new or have new authors. A sample of new chapters includes:
*A History of Scholarship;
*Trends in Research;
*Group Development in Online Distance Learning;
*The Theory of Transactional Distance;
*A Theory of Community of Inquiry;
*Supporting the Disabled Student;
*Fulfilling the Promise of Learning Objects; and
*Media-Based Learning Styles.
 
This book will be of interest to anyone engaged in distance education at either the K-12 or college level. It is also appropriate for corporate and government trainers and for administrators and policy makers in all these environments.

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent perspective of today's Distance Education
This book presents an up-dated view of almost all important areas of DE. It is clearly written and includes lots of ideas and guidelines for students, researchers and practitioners. Authors are opinion leaders in the area and provide a synthesis of an incredible amount of research findings. A must for instructional designers, tutors, administrators and policy makers.
... Read more

Product Description
This edition of Theory and Practice of Distance Education has been thoroughly updated both by describing how practice has changed, and by examining recent research in the field. Like the first edition, this book provides a comprehensive survey of distance education, looking at it globally and discussing the different lines of thought and models used. It describes the place of distance education in educational thinking, its various theories, principles and techniques of presentation, its organization and it administration. ... Read more

Product Description
Distance education is a hot topic in both universities and the K-12 arena. Individual schools, as well as education graduate programs, are thirsting for more information on the topic and are beginning to actively explore how to use the resources of the Internet to provide distance courses. Though many institutions have been involved in distance education for the past two decades (through correspondence or videos), they now find themselves desiring to take advantage of the Internet as a delivery mechanism. However, most institutions are ill-prepared to do so. Consequently, school administrators and faculty are looking for resources to help them move quickly into the Internet education market. This book provides faculty, trainers, and educational administrators a how to guide to developing online courses for delivery on the world wide web. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection is for anyone interested in the use of mobiletechnology for various distance learning applications. Readers willdiscover how to design learning materials for delivery on mobiletechnology and become familiar with the best practices of othereducators, trainers, and researchers in the field, as well as the mostrecent initiatives in mobile learning research. Businesses andgovernments can learn how to deliver timely information to staff usingmobile devices. Professors can use this book as a textbook for courseson distance education, mobile learning, and educational technology. ... Read more

Product Description
A one-stop knowledge resource, Emerging Technologies in Distance Education showcases the international work of research scholars and innovative distance education practitioners who use emerging interactive technologies for teaching and learning at a distance.

This widely anticipated book harnesses the dispersed knowledge of international experts who highlight pedagogical, organizational, cultural, social, and economic factors that influence the adoption and integration of emerging technologies in distance education. Whether as a result of technological advances, changing mindsets, or economic and organizational pressures, this book provides expert advice on how educators can launch effective and engaging distance education initiatives. It goes beyond the hype surrounding Web 2.0 technologies and highlights the important issues that researchers and educators need to consider to enhance educational practice.

George Veletsionos is assistant professor of instructional technology at the University of Texas. ... Read more

Product Description
Theoretical Principles of Distance Education highlights the implications of electronic communication developments for both conventional and distance education. In a closely planned and balanced study, fifteen of the world's leading scholars examine the didactic, analytical, academic, philosophical and technological underpinnings of distance education and demonstrate that contemporary educational philosophy, didactic strategies and administrative theory can no longer focus solely on the classroom and lecture hall but must also embrace teaching at a distance. ... Read more

Product Description
''This book is an effective blend of theory and practice -- one that instructors, students, and administrators in higher education should keep close at hand for quick reference and practical advice on what works in distance learning.'' --Laurie P. Dringus, Nova Southeastern University, Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

''A fine addition to the literature about distance learning. The key topics concerning gender, strategy, assessment, instructional methods, and evaluation will be of interest to the online learning community.'' --John Bourne, Executive Director, The Sloan Consortium

This useful resource describes best practices for designing online programs and courses. Translating research on the learning characteristics of adult university students and their experiences with online learning into practical guidelines, the authors address topics such as: program and course planning, design and delivery; multicultural and gender issues; program evaluation; student evaluation of online teaching, and institutional and program accreditation. The text includes resources such as online course materials and assessment tasks that are culturally responsive and implement the strategies presented in the book. Providing a roadmap for those wishing to design and implement a distance learning program, this up-to-date volume explains how to facilitate and moderate interactions using a constructivist approach, presents strategies that respond to race- and gender-related challenges, provides a model for evaluating distance education programs, identifies strategies that promote valid and reliable evaluations of online teaching, and addresses institution and distance education program accreditation issues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Cover Bound Backwards
I was shocked to receive the book with the cover bound backwards; to use the book, I have to turn the book to the back cover.

I never expected something like this from Amazon without prior disclosure. I kept the book because I need it.

I'll definitely disclose this anomaly when I sell the book after using it.

I am very leery about buying from Amazon again.

Felix Diaz

An excellent text!
This is probably one of the best comprehensive texts concerning online educational programs that I've ever read.It's an excellent blend of theory and practice and it covers every aspect of designing and implementing successful online education programs.This text covers everything from understanding gender & cultural learner differences to effective course design and initiating student discussions to strategic planning and student assessments.This is an excellent text for any DE library.

A little wordy.
This book is very helpful, especially for the planning stages of Distance Ed. However, one gets the idea that the writers are trying to sound like academics on purpose. The style in which it was written is very wordy unnecessarily, and quite laborious to read.

Also, while most institutions of higher learning adopt constructivist views, one would do well to research the true history and philosophy behind constructivism...it has some rather glaring flaws.

All in all, it is a fine book.

Survive and thrive in online education
Greetings!This book is a must read for any administrator, faculty, or staff personnel looking to survive or thrive in the increasingly important but competitive market of delivering distance learning in higher education.The author's, professors experienced with various facets of online education, succinctly address essential components needed to design, deliver, and evaluate an effective online degree program. In addition, the author's outline the theoretical foundation for distance learning, include considerations to address the challenges of diverse learners', provide useful information to both assess student learning and increase student engagement, and identify issues and red flags for accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.

Book Review
What makes the book special and sets it apart from others on the market is that it considers distance learning at the college and university levels from the program level rather than the course level.There are numerous books on how to design and deliver an effective online course, but far fewer which consider how to design and deliver an effective online degree program.

To borrow from the book's description: "This useful resource describes best practices for designing online programs and courses. Providing a roadmap for those wishing to design and implement a distance learning program, this up-to-date volume explains how to facilitate and moderate interactions using a constructivist approach, presents strategies that respond to race- and gender-related challenges, provides a model for evaluating distance education programs, identifies strategies that promote valid and reliable evaluations of online teaching, and addresses institution and distance education program accreditation issues." The book is divided as follows.

Chapter 1 - Concepts of Distance Learning: theoretical foundations of distance learning including constructivism, adult teaching and learning, computer-mediated communication, sense of community, presence, self-directed and autonomous learning, and social equity; and communication tools and conferencing tools

Chapter 2 - Gender: gendered impacts of online technologies, gender-specific teaching roles, gender-specific learning differences, and strategies for overcoming gender challenges to online learning

Chapter 3 - Culture: situational challenges (e.g., digital divide, personal costs, computer-mediated communication, and racism), dispositional challenges (e.g., field dependency, high/low context communication, and collectivism/individualism), and multicultural education

Chapter 4 - Strategic Planning: identification of program need, the strategic planning process, distance education planning challenges and strategies

Chapter 5 - Program and Course Design: program and course design models, instructional design approaches, online learning technologies, copyright and fair use standards, and accessibility in distance education

Chapter 6 - Assessment of Student Learning: types of assessments (e.g., independent work and group work) and academic dishonesty (e.g., identity fraud and plagiarism)

Chapter 7 - Online Discussions: planning student engagement (e.g., socioemotional interactions, task-oriented interactions, feedback, burnout, and participation rubrics)and conducting online (i.e., facilitating and moderating discussions) discussions

Chapter 8 - Program Evaluation: evaluability assessment, types of evaluation, standards and benchmarks

Chapter 9 - Institution and Program Accreditation: accreditation process and distance education

Chapter 10 - Course Evaluation: multistage course evaluation model

Chapter 11 - Summary and Conclusion

Appendix A - Example Extract from a Strategic Plan

Appendix B - Analytic Participation Rubric

Appendix C - Evidence of Quality Distance Learning Programs
Glossary

References

Index

About the Authors


... Read more

Product Description
This book makes a contribution to the field of distance education by presenting key perspectives on the state of the field andexamining and discussing specific current trends and issues faced by the distance learning community. To this end, the bookbrings together Quarterly Review of Distance Education's most respected authors and other internationally known expertsin the field of distance education to provide insight into a wide array of themes revolving around current work oncommunities of learning in distance education. ... Read more

Product Description
As opportunities for distance language learning expand language teachers and learnersare presented with a new set of issues, challenges and practical realities. By taking a learner-centred approach to issues and developments within the field this book provides an overview of distance language learning and explores the ways in which all participants are adapting their practices in response to the new learning environments. Important themes include the initial experience of distance language learning and the need to develop a practical knowledge of distance learners, as well as learner support, learner autonomy, innovation and the emergence of new constraints associated with distance learning environments. ... Read more

Product Description
Breaking through the myths and misunderstandings surrounding web-based learning, this book focuses on the particular characteristics of on-line education, a distance learning technology that can enhance on-campus courses as well. Drawing from her own experience as director of distance learning and technology at the University and Community College System of Nevada, author Katrina A Meyer examines the need to evaluate web-based learning on its own terms. She presents several examples of measures for quality web-based learning, and argues for the next phase of research in the field to focus on which technology works with which student and which learning objective in which discipline and why. With a synthesis of the emerging body of literature and research on web-based learning, Meyer highlights creative approaches to quantitative and qualitative studies and acknowledges the serious and balanced personal insights that researchers are developing for this fast growing form of learning. She delivers compelling reasons why one cannot evaluate the use of technology separate from the instructional uses made of it and argues that basic human psychology is the key to unlocking our relationship with the web.

As a rapidly developing, ever-changing mode of learning, on-line education challenges academic researchers to continually question their assumptions and renew their attention to student learning. This book is a valuable tool to assist educators in achieving that goal. ... Read more

Product Description
For 30 years, BEAR’S GUIDE TO EARNING DEGREES BY DISTANCE LEARNING is the most comprehensive, respected, and opinionated guide to the potential minefield of non-traditional education. It ’s often faster, cheaper, and even better to earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, medical, or law degree off campus. As more schools bring the classroom to the student through mail, video, and the internet, the need for an accurate, up-to-date, and technically savvy resource is more crucial than ever. This is the guide for anyone looking to advance a stalled career, return to the workforce, or take the next step to advance his or her education. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning
This is an excellent reference work for researching the various
levels of accreditation by colleges and universities both here and abroad.

Degrees are granted in various genres; namely, the traditional
college/university which requires attendance and a rigid credit
hour sequence, honoraria, degrees issued by evaluation of relevant work experience and a combination of experiences both classroom and workplace. The volume lists online accreditation for Strayer University. Various schools in the UK are listed under Distance Education. These colleges and universities are Keele, Coventry and Oxford Brooks University.

The volume has a wealth of information on colleges and universities throughout the world. The author critiques the
level of accreditation, as well as unaccredited institutions
and degree mills. This information would be valuable for anyone
considering an investment in Distance or Online Education either
in the USA or abroad. The acquisition is well worth the price.

Excellent source- Information very up to date
As the VP of The Distance Learning Expo, we get many inquires on distance and online learning.We always keep the Bear's Guide close by in case there is a question we cannot answer.The information is very up to date and very easy to follow.

GET THIS BOOK...
...if you have EVER thought about going to school online or through correspondence.You need to read about accreditation, diploma mills, getting credit for life experience, which schools are complete rip-offs and which are solid, etc.This book could possibly save you thousands of dollars and a lot of embarrassment.It's the best investment you can make in distance education.

Well Written and Easy to Use
I order this book at the same time I ordered a Peterson's guide -- I could have save a lot of money and just purchased this Bear's Guide.

Especially helpful to me is the section identifying the 'degree mill' schools that should be avoided like the plague.I also greatly appreciate the fact that international options are listed.It seems that the British and Australian schools are better aligned for my goals in a graduate degree.There inclusion in this guide gives me a good starting point for my research.The division of programs that can be completed completely by distance from those with some residency requirements is quite useful.

The Guide is easy to read & use.The style is low key and without pretense.

Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning
John Bear, PhD is a highly subjective authority of distance
education.His bottom-line involvement with "diploma mills"
(such as serving as principal officer of several) is the reason
why this book contains so many of these UNaccredited (but approved) institutions.In this sense, look beyond his hypocrisy
of preaching against "diploma mills" while at the same time
getting financially involved with such schools whenever he can
for financial gain.

Overlooking such subjectivity (including his treatment of
recommendations), there's a wealth of good information IF the
reader concentrates on ONLY the regionally accredited colleges
& universities.Reader beware is a good caveat to follow &
contacting institutions directly for college catalogs, program
brochures & application materials is the soundest approach to
determining which institutions may be appropriate for your
educational credentials regarding personal & professional
development.I rate this book a "4" but highly encourage
additional research into higher distance education in order to
become an informed consumer -- after all, higher education is a
booming industry.

As a personal note, I've authored a distance education book in
1986 concentrating, unlike Dr. Bear, on only regionally
accredited institutions; and have been researching and writing
about alternative/nontraditional/holistic/humanistic/person-
centered institutions of higher learning since the late 1970's. ... Read more

Product Description
For 30 years, BEAR'S GUIDE TO EARNING DEGREES BY DISTANCE LEARNING is the most comprehensive, respected, and opinionated guide to the potential minefield of non-traditional education. It's often faster, cheaper, and even better to earn an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, medical, or law degree off campus. As more schools bring the classroom to the student through mail, video, and the internet, the need for an accurate, up-to-date, and technically savvy resource is more crucial than ever. This is the guide for anyone looking to advance a stalled career, return to the workforce, or take the next step to advance his or her education. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

great online degree info!
This guide is in catalog format.
It catalogs online degrees by degree type and category such as "completely online", some on site requirements, etc.Also gives valuable tips and info in choosing a degree online.If people one uses the info, one could save thousands and have a useful degree in the real world.

Informative
Good book very informative however not quite clear Mr Bear has listed quite a few questionable schools as legitimate. This info does not seem to be much clear. Some Diploma mills are classified as legitimate

sUSHIL

B+
There is a better book on the topic.Take a look at Campus Free College Degrees: Thorsons Guide to Accredited College Degrees Through Distance Learning by Marcie K. Thorson and read my review.Plus, it costs less.You will be spending a lot of money to get a college degree, so do your research thoroughly!Thorson's guide will help you do that.

The difinitive fesource for people looking for non-traditional options
This is the one necessary resource for anyone looking to begin or continue education through non-traditional means.

Helpful, informative book.
This book provides information concerning many avenues of online learning in a convenient, useful format.It's a great source of information for the person who is just considering options as well as one who has already decided to take the plunge. ... Read more