Check it out!

Distance Learning Titles in Lane Library

How to Design Self-Directed and distance Learning Programs: A Guide for Creators of Web-Based Training… by Nigel Harrison. McGraw-Hill, 1999

Although the formatting and presentation may annoy some due to its behavioral objectives approach reminiscent of the 1970's, this book does cover
the major considerations of design, development, implementation, and evaluation of web-based instruction. It even comes with quizzes to test your
understanding and application of the principles presented. For instance, take a look at their URLs which exemplify poor design, and try editing them. For
those who do not feel quite expert, or even proficient, there's enough in this manual to encourage you to look past the slightly patronizing tone.

How to Be an Online Tutor, by Julia Duggleby. Gower, 2000

Even beginners will want to skip over the first five chapters which define the already familiar components of web-based instruction. Skip to Chapter 6:
Planning the Course. The author presents many important considerations, such as the logistics of meeting students needs at different rates of learning
while maintaining group interaction and collaboration. There's a lot of well thought-out advice here, from guidelines to pesky details. This is a British
book, which would be better named "Online Educator" for an American audience.

Building Learning Communities in Cyberspace: Effective Strategies for the Online Classroom,

by Rena M. Palloff and Keith Pratt. Jossey-Bass, 1999

Being distance education consultants, the authors are well-versed in the issues and concerns of online teaching. They discuss strengths, weaknesses, and
challenges of web-based education at the college and university level, and provide strategies for turning online classes into online "learning
communities." This takes a lot more than technical know-how, including doses of actual face-to-face contact with the professor.

The McGraw-Hill Handbook of Distance Learning, by Alan Chute, et al. McGraw Hill, 1999

This is, indeed, a handbook. It covers all aspects of distance education programming with emphasis on the administration and system requirements.
Chapter 10: "Looking at the Present; Looking into the Future" contains some stimulating specualtion on how current "fledgling efforts" will evolve. A
glossary is included.

Higher Education Though Open and Distance Learning, edited by Keith Harry. Routledge, 1999

"It is amazing how little is known about the nature, practices, successes, failures, relevance and effectiveness of training and education delivered using
distance education." This volume, the first of a series targeted to "community developers, politicians, policy makers, and international development
agencies," addresses access, quality, and the cost of distance education efforts in many developing countries. Chapter authors are educational leaders
in their countries. The collection is put together by the International Research Foundation for Open Learning.

from Choice Book Reviews

22 December 2000

Off-Campus & Distance Learning Committee
Armstrong Atlantic State University