Distance Learning in Higher Education: A Programmatic Approach to Planning, Design Instruction, Evaluation, and Accreditation

by Alfred P. Rovai, Michael K. Ponton, Jason D. Baker

Overview

This useful resource describes the 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 also 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 learning programs.
• Identifies strategies that promote valid and reliable evaluations of online teaching.
• Addresses institutional and distance learning program accreditation issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807748787
Publisher:	Teachers College Press
Publication date:	07/24/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Alfred P. Rovai teaches online courses in statistics, strategic planning, and program evaluation in blended EdD and PhD programs at the School of Education, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Michael K. Ponton is professor of education at Regent University, where he teaches courses in research design. Jason D. Baker is an associate professor of education at Regent University and a consultant on the development and management of online learning programs.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Purpose and Organization x

Acknowledgments xi

1 Concepts of Distance Learning 1

Background 1

Theoretical Foundations 3

Electronic Tools 14

Conclusion 15

2 Gender 16

Background 16

Gendered Impacts of Online Technologies 17

Gender-Specific Teaching Roles 19

Gender-Specific Learning Differences 20

Strategies for Overcoming Gender Challenges to Learning 24

Conclusion 27

3 Culture 29

Background 29

Situational Challenges 31

Dispositional Challenges 35

Multicultural Education 39

Conclusion 43

4 Strategic Planning 46

Background 47

Identification of Program Need 47

The Strategic Planning Process 49

Distance Education Challenges and Strategies 53

Conclusion 60

5 Program and Course Design 62

Background 62

Program and Course Design Models 63

Instructional Design Approaches 70

Online Learning Technologies 71

Copyright and Fair Use Standards 75

Accessibility in Distance Education 77

Conclusion 78

6 Assessment of Student Learning 79

Background 80

Types of Assessments 82

Academic Dishonesty 89

Conclusion 91

7 Online Discussions 93

Background 94

Planning Student Engagement 95

Conducting Online Discussions 103

Conclusion 106

8 Program Evaluation 108

Background 108

Evaluability Assessment 110

Types of Evaluation 117

Standards and Benchmarks 120

Conclusion 122

9 Institution and Program Accreditation 123

Background 123

Accreditation Process 125

Distance Education 127

Conclusion 131

10 Course Evaluation 133

Background 133

Multistage Course Evaluation Model 138

Conclusion 144

11 Summary and Conclusion 146

Concepts of Distance Learning 146

Gender 149

Culture 149

StrategicPlanning 150

Program and Course Design 151

Assessment of Student Learning 151

Online Discussions 152

Program Evaluation 153

Institution and Program Accreditation 153

Course Evaluation 154

Conclusion 155

Appendix A Example Extract from a Strategic Plan 165

Appendix B Analytic Participation Rubric 166

Appendix C Evidence of Quality Distance Learning Programs 167

Glossary 173

References 179

Index 197

About the Authors 211

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Instructors, students, and administrators in higher education should keep this book 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 on 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.

“An essential resource for colleges or universities that are contemplating, planning, developing, or enhancing online learning initiatives. It is a very important contribution to the field.”
—Joel L. Hartman, Vice Provost for Information Technologies and Resources, University of Central Florida