Distance education and online learning are interchangeable terms used to describe the delivery of educational content, whereby the student and the instructor are separated by geography, time, or both. Within the domain of business education, approximately one-third of all business schools offer online business programs, and many more are expected to follow in this direction. Considerable attention is therefore being given by business educators to the refinement of pedagogical approaches in their distance learning offerings. The growth in attention is reflected in the rising number of academic papers related to distance learning methods which appear in leading business journals, as well as the growing number of workshops, research seminars and online forums on the topic. The objective of this book is to consolidate state-of-the-art knowledge on distance learning methods, best practices, and research findings as they relate to online business education. This exposure would help inform business faculty, administrators and course designers on how to optimize distance courses in the various sub-disciplines of business to achieve the most beneficial results for business students.

Educators are finding that communication and interaction are at the core of a successful web-based classroom. This interactivity fosters community, which contributes to effective and meaningful learning. Positive online communities and the communication therein encourage students to interact with others’ views which not only grows one’s empathy, but is an integral part of constructivist learning theories. Because of this, the most important role of an educator in an online class is one that ensures student interactivity and engagement. Creating Teacher Immediacy in Online Learning Environments addresses the most effective models and strategies for nurturing teacher immediacy in web-based and virtual learning environments. A number of innovative methods for building an authentic, personalized online learning experience are outlined and discussed at length within this publication, providing solutions for pre-service as well as in-service educators. This book is a valuable compilation of research for course designers, faculty, students of education, administration, software designers, and higher education researchers.

Research shows that internships are the dominant form of experiential learning used in business schools worldwide, providing practical insight into a job role for students and enhancing their employability. This book provides practical resources that practitioners and students can use to maximize the overall internship experience by explaining business education, internships, skill development, and employment outcomes. It also includes material to assist in the development or enhancement of internship programs to create a high-quality internship course while providing guidance on reflecting and evaluating the learning gained from the experience. Including quizzes and short activities, this book can be used as a companion text for any student participating in an internship, or as a guide that practitioners in this field can use to help design their own internship program and course content. Business schools are increasing their focus on experiential learning and are encouraging faculty to incorporate internships into their existing curriculum. Linking theory, history, and practice, this book is ideal reading for students participating in an internship for academic credit and as a guidebook for business school practitioners who wish to start or improve their existing academic internship program.

In today's technology-crazed environment, distance learning is touted as a cost-effective option for delivering employee training and higher education programs, such as bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degrees. Distance Learning Technologies: Issues, Trends and Opportunities provides readers with an in-depth understanding of distance learning and the technologies available for this innovative media of learning and instruction. It traces the development of distance learning from its history to suggestions of a solid strategic implementation plan to ensure its successful and effective deployment.

"This book disseminates current issues and trends emerging in the field of adult e-learning and online instruction"--Provided by publisher.