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. 

Table of Contents:
PART I        FOUNDATIONS 1.    Foundations of Distance Education Chemistry at a Distance? A True Story Distance Education Today and Tomorrow The Effectiveness of Distance Education - In Case You Wonder What is Distance Education? Facts About Distance Education Media in Education: Earlier Debates Status of Distance Education Telemedicine Characteristics of Distance Education: Two Visions 2.    Definitions, History, and Theories of Distance Education Defining Distance Education Emerging Definitions A Brief History of Distance Education Theory and Distance Education 3.    Research and Distance Education The Focus of Distance Education Research Learning Outcomes Learner Perceptions Learner Attributes Interaction Barriers to Distance Education Distance Education Technology Myths Regarding Distance Education Research 4.    Technologies for Distance Education A True Story A Model of Communication The Cone of Experience A Taxonomy of Distance Education Technologies Distance Education Classrooms PART II.    TEACHING AND LEARNING AT A DISTANCE   5.    Instructional Design for Distance Education "Signal Fires"? Why Plan for Teaching at a Distance? Principles of Instructional Design Systems Issues to Address in the Planning Process Other Issues to Be Considered Models for Designing World Wide Web Courses Best Practices in Course Design for Distance Education Recommendations for Distance Delivered Instruction - The Unit-Module-Topic Model 6.    The Student and Distance Education An Emphasis on the Student Traits of the Distant Learner Attitude Factors Experience Issues Elements for Success Learner Responsibilities Sixty Frequently Asked Student Questions About Distance Education 7.    Teaching and Distance Education Quality Instruction at a Distance: Coal Slurry Ponds Teaching the Distant Learner Policy Issues Related to Teaching at a Distance 8.    Handouts, Study Guides, and Visuals Printed Media Distance Education Syllabus The Interactive Study Guide Graphic Design Principles Word Pictures Visual Analogies 9.    Internet-Based Distance Education The Evolution of Distance Education What Is the Internet, and Why Does It Matter? Foundations of Internet-Based Distance Education Technologies of Internet-Based Distance Educaiton Pedagogies of Internet-Based Distance Education Future of Internet-Based Distance Education 10.    Assessment for Distance Education Assessing Learning Gains Purposes for Assessment Assessment and Evaluation Assessment and Instructional Design Assessments and Grading Characteristics of Useful Assessments Objective and Subjective Assessment Measures Assessment Strategies Implementation Strategies Selecting Appropriate Assessment Measures Academic Misconduct What's Ahead for Assessment?   PART III.    MANAGING AND EVALUATING DISTANCE EDUCATION   11.    Copyright and Distance Education Copyright Myths Copyright Essentials Guidelines Recent Copyright-Related Legislation Copyright Applications in Distance Education Obtaining Permission Intellectual Property Rights 12.    Managing and Leading a Distance Education Organization The Distance Learning Leader Functions and Roles of a Distance Education Administrator Current Issues in the Administration of Distance Education 13.    Evaluating Teaching and Learning at a Distance Research and Evaluation Evaluation and the Open University The AEIOU Approach Program Evaluation: Examples Student Evaluation of Distance Education Courses   References Additional Reading Index