Full 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.
Contents
Foreword. The Explosion of Distance Education. Recent Growth of Distance Education. The Digital Explosion. Political Initiatives. The Changing Marketplace. Who Is Interested? Impact on Discussions of Quality. What Is Ahead. The Significance of "No Significance". State of the Art. Recent Criticism of the Research. The Critics Criticized. What the Critics Reveal. Summary. Research Basics. Source of Studies. Absolutes. Definitional Dragons. Complexity of Research on Learning. Theoretical Approaches. Summary. Research on Technology and Students. The Role of Technology. The Role of the Learner. Summary. Research on Faculty and Institutions. The Role of Faculty. The Role of Institutions. Summary. The Pursuit of Guidelines. Using the Research You Have. More Traditional Views. The Latest Thinking in Accrediting Distance Education. Comparing the Guidelines. Faculty Tips and Guidelines. Guidelines for Students. Growing Acceptance and Criticism. Summary. Advice to the Confused. New Quality Measures. Other Models of Quality. Attitudes About Quality. Empowering the Consumer. Using the Guidelines. Responsibility for Quality. Quality Education. Conclusions. References. Index.
