Product Description
School Education, the third volume of Charlotte Mason's Homeschooling Series, consists of thoughts about the teaching and curriculum of children aged 9-12, either at school or at home. She suggests that parents should practice what she calls "masterly inactivity"-not neglectful or permissive parenting, but simply allowing children to work things out for themselves, do things for themselves, learn from their own mistakes, and to have time for free play, and space for spontaneity. Charlotte Mason education uses "living books" instead of dry textbooks; in this book, she discusses what kinds of books to look for in each subject, and how to use them to teach children to love knowledge and become real readers and lifelong learners. Charlotte Mason was a late nineteenth-century British educator whose ideas were far ahead of her time. She believed that children are born persons worthy of respect, rather than blank slates, and that it was better to feed their growing minds with living literature and vital ideas and knowledge, rather than dry facts and knowledge filtered and pre-digested by the teacher. Her method of education, still used by some private schools and many homeschooling families, is gentle and flexible, especially with younger children, and includes first-hand exposure to great and noble ideas through books in each school subject, conveying wonder and arousing curiosity, and through reflection upon great art, music, and poetry; nature observation as the primary means of early science teaching; use of manipulatives and real-life application to understand mathematical concepts and learning to reason, rather than rote memorization and working endless sums; and an emphasis on character and on cultivating and maintaining good personal habits. Schooling is teacher-directed, not child-led, but school time should be short enough to allow students free time to play and to pursue their own worthy interests such as handicrafts. Traditional Charlotte Mason schooling is fir ... Read more

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In the excitement about the possibilities that instructional technology has opened up for teaching and learning, and in the ensuing discussion of start-up and infrastructure costs, and concerns about access and equity, too little attention had been paid to what students are learning through online courses and on the evaluation of such technologically-mediated courses.

This volume provides an overview of strategies for assessing the contribution of technology and illustrates these with specific examples.

The contributors provide an evaluation framework together with specific examples derived from an extensive instructional technology initiative at a large university. They present a general overview of how to evaluate technology and indicate the importance of the institutional context for technological innovation. The address the nature of potential learning outcomes and illustrate such evaluation methods as multiple iteration strategies, comparison designs, and within-class strategies. Among the pedagogies discussed are virtual and Web-controlled labs, simulations, video, and Web-based research tools.

This book addresses the challenges of assessment in technology-based instruction in higher education, and places them within the context of costs. ... Read more

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This work looks at open learning, its advantages, drawbacks and successes. The author reviews the approaches of the Open University, colleges and polytechnics in the UK as well as international open learning establishments, and asks how open they really are. Modes of delivery are explored and the specific uses of open learning in general industry, small firms and supported self-study are discussed. ... Read more

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This revised and updated edition of Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World sets the expansion of distance education in the context of general educational change and explores its use for basic and non-formal education, schooling, teacher training and higher education.

Engaging with a range of topics, this comprehensive overview includes new material on:

• non-formal education: mass-communication approaches to education about HIV/AIDS and recent literacy work in India, South Africa, and Zambia
• schooling: new research projects in open schooling in Asia and subsaharan Africa, and interactive radio instruction in South Africa
• the impact of new technology and globalisation: learning delivered through the internet and mobile learning
• the political economy: international agencies, the role of private sector, and funding.

With its critical appraisal of the facts and examination of data about effectiveness, this book provides answers to problems and poses key questions for the consideration of policy makers, educational practitioners and all professionals involved in implementing and delivering sustainable open and distance learning.

Product Description
Distance learning technologies have reshaped the diffusion of communication within the educational system. Within this expanding field, the possibilities for an interactive, cross-boundary education are endless.

Strategic Applications of Distance Learning Technologies provides tactical uses of distance education technologies to assist instructors and researchers in their quest to provide a progressive, alternative approach to traditional education techniques. This collection of advanced research incorporates global challenges and opportunities of technology integration while outlining strategies for distance learning within developing countries. ... Read more

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Amidst the euphoria about the new frontiers of technology sometimes perceived as a panacea for expansion of higher education in developing countries, there is a need to analyze persistent and new grounds of unequal opportunity for access, learning, and the production of knowledge. This volume addresses fundamental questions about the educational process such as: The use of technology in higher education for a holistic educational system for social development; The actual technological capacity in Africa and possibilities for virtual higher education; Cultural relevance of the curriculum and pedagogy; Pedagogy and gender in cyberspace education; Perils of externally-driven distance education programs in Africa and the quest for ownership towards development; Challenges and opportunities in the making of knowledge society in an Asian context; Strategies to promote constructive virtual higher education in Africa and Asia. Readership: This book is resourceful in the fields of education, technology, communication, computing & information science, political economy, international studies, development studies, gender studies, and indigenous knowledge systems. ... Read more

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Instructional technology and distance learning have changed the meaning of attending college. Today's students can now learn through various forms of electronic communications media, including radio, television, the computer, and the Internet. But are the costs outweighing the benefits? This new addition to the Series on Higher Education, analyzes and assesses the costs of information technology for teaching and learning in higher education. Containing 15 essays that identify the positive and negative cost implications of information technology, this timely and detailed resource also explores how the increased use of information technology is transforming higher education, the different ways it can be used to teach different kinds of students, and the impact this increased spending has on college budgets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It's about time.
Leaders in higher education should stand up and applaud the efforts of these authors. This is an accurate appraisal of the IT landscape in higher education. Few have ever touched upon this 800 pound gorilla of a subject. These authors have challenged the misperceptions held by many about the real costs of technology. It's about time. ... Read more

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This highly topical book charts how the tools of technology are altering the ways in which education is being delivered and received. It looks at the huge impact of the World Wide Web on current educational practice and what this means for the students and teachers involved. It also covers the other new technologies that support the delivery of what is now truly global education.
Divided into three clear sections, Globalising Education adopts a systematic and thoroughly researched approach to this exciting topic. The three sections examine:
* how global education is actually delivered in practice
* case studies which investigate current developments and applications in the USA, Europe, the UK and Australia
* conclusions drawn from the general issues covered, as well as an overview of what is happening now and what we might expect to happen in the future.
This book looks at current developments in detail. It is essential reading for all those involved in education - whether as a teacher, student or interested onlooker. ... Read more

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In Online Education: Global Questions, Local Answers, 24 college educators focus on the most important questions to be addressed by all scholar-teachers and administrators committed to developing high-quality online education programs. We describe these questions as "global" because they transcend the particular situations of individual institutions. They are questions that everyone involved in online education needs to address: What are the issues to consider when first developing and then sustaining an online education program? How do we create interactive, pedagogically sound online courses and classroom communities? How should we monitor and assess the quality of online courses and programs? And how should recent developments and innovations in online education cause us to reexamine our roles and responsibilities as educators in technical communication? While these global questions affect all of us in one way or another, they demand different local answers, such as those presented by the contributors to this text. Readers will need to consider which of these local answers might apply to their own situations and how these answers might need to be adapted to reflect the particular needs of their own institutions. ... Read more

Product Description
An Administrator’s Guide to Online Education is an essential resource for the higher education administrator. Unlike most books regarding online education, this book is not about teaching; it is about effectively administrating an online education program. Grounded in existing distance education theory, and drawing from best practices, current research, and an extensive review of current literature, An Administrator’s Guide to Online Education systematically identifies and discusses seven key issues that affect the practice of online education today: leadership and strategic planning, policy and operation, faculty, online student services, online student success, technology and the courseware management system, and finally marketing. Throughout the text, the authors provide case studies, examples, policies, and resources from actual institutions, which further enhance the value of this text. An Administrator’s Guide to Online Education, encompasses the issues and provides information on how to accomplish one specific task: successful online education administration.

CONTENTS: Preface. Chapter I - Introduction to Online Education. Chapter II - Leadership And Strategic Planning. Chapter III - Policy and Operational issues. Chapter IV - Faculty Issues. Chapter V - Online Student Services. Chapter VI - Online Student Success. Chapter VII - Technology and the Courseware Management System. Chapter VIII - Marketing the Online Program. Chapter IX - Conclusion. References. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Advice from an expert
Kaye Shelton has "been there and done that" and she is not hesitant to tell about it. This book has many helpful suggestions, amplified by appropriate examples. It is well organized--just what an online director needs when faced with establishing a new program. ... Read more

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This practical handbook guides teachers in open and distance learning through the key phases of planning and developing materials for coursework. Each phase involves a specific sequence of development tasks, supported by background information, examples and checklists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excelente apoyo para el diseño de cursos
Aunque este libro esta enfocado hacia el diseño de materiales de educacióna distancia, su lectura brinda consejos aplicables para el diseño de lacapacitación en general, a traves de el encontrarás muchos tips y guiaspara considerar en la elaboracion de materiales e incluso para laimplantacion de programas.

Es muy completo porque incluye todos losaspectos relevantes desde el planteamiento de objetivos, la eleccion demedios, su desarrollo y preparación hasta el proceso de evaluación delaprendizaje. Cubre: que es importante considerar hasta que evitar y comomejorarlo, proporciona ejemplos y buenas ideas para trabajar en el diseño.es tambien un material de consulta y trabajo interesante tanto para elprincipiante en el tema como para el avanzado

Su propia estructura es unbuen ejemplo del diseño de materiales ... Read more

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In 1995, 33% of all higher education institutions offered distance education to over 700,000 students. Peterson's details 1,000 programs from nearly 900 accredited colleges giving students the most comprehensive coverage of this exciting educational alternative. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Should be more comprehensive for the price
A more comprehensive book on this topic is Campus Free College Degrees: Thorsons Guide to Accredited College Degrees Through Distance Learning by Marcie K. Thorson.See my review.

Great Resource; Could Use A New Edition
In the fast-changing world of distance education, current information is crucial. This book was last updated in 2005 and many programs have begun or have changed since then. With that caveat, this is an excellent and comprehensive resource. The information on the schools is quite comprehensive, and program details are relatively abundant. The index is helpful for finding programs by subject area, and the overall format is both logical and easy to use.

I think this is an excellent place to start a search for an online educational program. Although program changes may have occurred since this edition came out, the reference and Internet contact information makes current information readily accessible.

For anyone considering an online educational program, I recommend this book, although I would like Peterson's to revise the book in a new edition as soon as possible given the rapidly changing educational landscape.

There are Better Options
I ordered Peterson's at the same time I ordered the Bear's Guide on distance degrees.I should have stuck with the latter and saved a significant chunk of change.While Peterson's is larger, that is only useful if you plan to use it as a booster seat or door stop.

Peterson's fails to provide key information such as identifying 'degree mill' schools whose diplomas are worthless.It also leaves out accredited schools in other parts of the world, which seem to be viable options, at least based on my research.Petersen is especially weak in graduate degrees outside MBAs or MEds, or the usual Capella, Regent, U of Pheonix, Walden expensive options.

Virtually all of the information in this publication can be found for free on the Internet - an option I suggest along with the Bear's guide!

Great source...Very up to date
As the VP of sales and marketing for TheDistanceLearningExpo.com, we use many sources to guide prospective students to an online university that matches their needs.The Peterson's Guide is very up to date on the information they provide and is also very informative.A must have for someone interested in distance learning. ... Read more

Product Description
As more and more students are completing their college degree without ever stepping foot on the main campus, libraries must now find new and innovative ways to serve virtual and remote users. In this timely collection, Susan Clayton brings together over 20 experienced distance instruction librarians from across the country University of Western Washington, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of North Carolina to share their effective strategies for designing, delivering, collaborating, and assessing distance instruction. Coverage explores scheduling and marketing classes; utilizing virtual classroom software, online tutorials, and Web tools; collaborating with faculty and information technology professionals; and more. This unique collection provides the advice and best practices to help you go the distance whether creating an introduction to library research or supporting faculty in advanced courses and take the library to where your users are. ... Read more

Product Description
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. ... Read more

Product Description
This text provides an overview of how distance education has become an important part of post-secondary education. It also provides a study of how distance education has evolved from simple correspondence schools to more sophisticated settings found on college campuses. A review of the necessary technologies provides the reader with a clear understanding of how it has impacted the direction higher education will take. From a discussion about the development of educational policy to establishing collaborative communities of learners, the book provides an in-depth look at issues that colleges and universities will have to face if they are to remain competitive. This book should prepare institutions of higher education for meeting the needs of students in the 21st century. ... Read more

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CONTENTS: Book Series Foreword. Mike Dickson, CAIT, Western Illinois University. Volume I Foreword. Sir

John Daniels, UNESCO. Introduction. Charalambos Vrasidas, CAIT, Western Illinois University and Gene V.

Glass, Arizona State University. Designing and Studying Learning Experiences that Use Multiple Interactive

Media to Bridge Distance and Time. Chris Dede, Pam Whitehouse, and Tara Brown L’Bahy Harvard Graduate

School of Education. A Conceptual Framework for Studying Distance Education. Charalambos Vrasidas, CAIT,

Western Illinois University and Gene V. Glass, Arizona State University. Rethinking Assessment for the Online

Environment. Robin Mason, Institute of Educational Technology, Open University, UK. Learning to Solve Problems

Online. David H. Jonassen, University of Missouri. Is There Anyone There? The Embodiment of Knowledge

in Virtual Environments. Rob Walker, Center for Applied Research in Education, University of East Anglia.

Revealing the Hidden Curriculum of E-Learning. Terry Anderson, Athabasca University. Distance Education and

the Professorate: The Issue of Productivity. Thomas C. Reeves, The University of Georgia. Evaluation and

Research in Distance Education: Implications for Research. Gary J. Anglin, University of Kentucky and Gary R.

Morrison, Wayne State University. What Makes Online Learning Communities Successful? The Role of Collaborative

Learning in Social and Intellectual Development!. Linda Harasim, Simon Fraser. Of Nomads, Polyglots, and

Global Villagers: Globalization, Information Technologies, and Critical Education Online. Michalinos Zembylas,

Michigan State University, Charalambos Vrasidas, CAIT, Western Illinois University, and Marina S. McIsaac, Arizona

State University. ... Read more

Product Description
Distance Education has become a major topic of interest in the field ofeducational communications and technology. In response to this interest,the Association for Educational Communications and Technology(AECT) published the first edition of Distance Education: Definition andGlossary of Terms in 2002.

The second edition of this monograph was begun in 2005. While the definitionof distance education was changed only slightly, the glossary ofterms was updated significantly under the supervision of Joann Flick andmembers of AECT’s Division of Distance Learning. The definition ofdistance education and much of the supporting narrative offered in thisedition of Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms is basedon Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education,3rd. edition (2006). This information is used with permission.

(Second Edition) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Distance Education
Lee Schlosser and Mike Simonson have provided us with a quintessential textbook that is invaluable to anyone in the field or those who need or want to know about distance education. ... Read more

Product Description
Nearly one hundred years ago Moody Bible Institute pioneered in distance education by offering independent study courses in theology. Since then, distance education has developed into a growing phenomenon with over two million students taking courses outside of traditional school settings.

Highly readable and packed with information, Baker's Guide answers many questions asked by prospective students:

€ What are the benefits of distance learning? € How do online classes work? € What levels of web-based classes exist? € Are scholarships available? € Do employers accept degrees earned through distance education?

Baker describes the typical online learning experience, explains the importance of accreditation, and offers practical tips for succeeding as a distance learner. The book's directory of accredited distance learning institutions contains a wealth of relevant information including costs and descriptions of available programs.

Anyone interested in seeking an advanced degree, finishing a college degree, or expanding their educational background will find Baker's Guide a valuable resource, as will home schooling parents looking for curriculum options. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Best in the field!
Baker's Guide is *the* book for people interested in online learning and religious education. It provides everything that you need to know to succeed in religious distance education.

Having written in this field ("Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning" and "Bears' Guide to Earning High School Diplomas Nontraditionally"), I can tell you that Dr. Baker has done his homework. Yes, he only lists accredited programs. I have no problem with that. Most people are going to find little use with unaccredited degrees.

I have recommended this book to others (some of whom used the information and are now earning degrees). In addition to solid information, Baker writes well, a not inconsequential piece of information.

An O.K. guide
This is an ok guide, but it is too limited. It covers only accredited schools and leaves out some very good unaccredited schools. But, it is good as part of a larger collection on this topic. There is another Christian DL guide in print that is better. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive and highly readable guide provides everything you need to begin designing and administering distanceprograms - an overview of distance education delivery systems and trends; accreditation; collaboration; staffing and space planning models; contracts and cooperative service agreements; reference, instructional, legal, and ethical issues; and marketing and public relations tips. ... Read more

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To meet the needs of adults ages 22 to 75 and beyond who are flocking back to school, nearly every college and university has established a Continuing Education division or program. Yet until now there has been very little education for leadership in this rapidly growing field. That's why readers at all levels of higher education will find this book so valuable.The book's extraordinary contribution is a wealth of detailed information on the specifics of creating a thriving Continuing Education program. Topics include ways to motivate staff members, develop crucial liaisons and build resources and budgets; guidelines for strategic planning, managing change, and creating dynamic work groups; specific techniques for creative and analytical problem solving; a review of innovative distance learning programs; and an extensive collection of useful tools, including questionnaires, models, diagrams, charts, summaries, direct mail tips, and a proposal drafting guide. In addition, appendices contain a sample mission statement and marketing plan, samples of planning documents and annual reports, and a list of worldwide distance education organizations.Higher education professionals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

It is a right book for a coach of a company.
This book help you to evaluate and motivate your staff members. Give youthe guidelines for planing your strategy in the lidership development ofyour team, and it provide you with questionaries, diagrams and otherhelpful tools for your daily work. ... Read more