Online Distance Education
Online Distance Education
Towards a Research Agenda
In the past, most laymen, practitioners, and even experts in the field described distance education very simply as a form of learning in which physical proximity is replaced by distance and oral dialogue by mediated communication. This simplistic understanding still lingers in many people's minds. This volume demonstrates instead that online distance education is a comprehensive, many-sided process and a multifunctional system.
Olaf Zawacki-Richter is professor of educationaltechnology at the University of Oldenburg, and also teaches in theonline Masters of Distance Education and E-Learning program offeredjointly by the University of Oldenburg and the University of Maryland,University College.
Terry Anderson is professor and researcher in theTechnology-Enhanced Knowledge Research Centre at Athabasca University.His research interests focus on interaction and social media ineducational contexts. He is the editor of The Theory and Practice ofOnline Learning, 2nd ed., winner of the 2009 Charles E. WedemeyerAward.
Foreword - Otto Peters
Introduction Research Areas in Online Distance Education / OlafZawacki-Richter and Terry Anderson
part I Macro-levelResearch: Distance Education Systems and Theories
Internationalization and Concepts of Social Justice: What Is to BeDone? / Alan Tait and Jennifer O'Rourke
Globalization, Culture, and Online Distance Learning / CharlotteN. Gunawardena
Distance Education Systems and Institutions in the Online Era: AnIdentity Crisis / Sarah Guri-Rosenblit
Online Distance Education Models and Research Implications /Terry D. Evans and Margaret Haughey
Methods of Study in Distance Education: A Critical Review ofSelected Recent Literature / Farhad Saba
part II Meso-level research:Management, Organization, and Technology
Organization and Management of Online and Distance Learning /Ross Paul
The Costs and Economics of Online Distance Education / GrevilleRumble
The Use of Technology in Distance Education / GráinneConole
Innovation and Change: Changing How we Change / JonDron
Professional Development and Faculty Support / MargaretHicks
Learner Support in Online Distance Education: Essential and Evolving/ Jane E. Brindley
Quality Assurance in Online Distance Education / ColinLatchem
part III Micro-level Research:Learning and Teaching in Distance Education
Major Movements in Instructional Design / Katy Campbell andRichard. A. Schwier
Interaction and Communication in Online Learning Communities:Towardan Engaged and Flexible Future / Dianne Conrad
Quantitative Analysis of Interaction Patterns in Online DistanceEducation / Allan Jeong
From the Back Door into the Mainstream: The Characteristics ofLifelong Learners / Joachim Stöter, Mark Bullen, OlafZawacki-Richter, and Christine von Prümmer
Student Dropout: The Elephant in the Room / Alan Woodley andOrmond Simpson
Conclusion Towards a Research Agenda / Terry Anderson and OlafZawacki-Richter
