A Guide to Administering Online Learning provides an overview of tasks to be accomplished in order to direct dynamic online initiatives. Experienced distance learning teachers and administrators share their insights regarding what must be done to administer effective online learning.

Today we are seeing a new form of blended learning: not only is technology enhancing the learning environment but formal and informal learning are combining and there is self- and peer-assessment of results. Open learning cultures are challenging the old and long-practiced methods used by educators and transforming learning into a more student-driven and independent activity , which uses online tools such as blogs, wikis or podcasts to connect resources, students and teachers in a novel way. While in higher education institutions most assessments are still tied to formal learning scenarios, teachers are more and more bound to recognize their students’ informal learning processes and networks. This book will help teachers, lecturers and students to better understand how open learning landscapes work, how to define quality and create assessments in such environments, and how to apply these new measures. To this end, Ehlers first elaborates the technological background for more collaborative, distributed, informal, and self-guided learning. He covers the rise of social media for learning and shows how an architecture of participation can change learning activities. These new paradigms are then applied to learning and education to outline what open learning landscapes look like. Here he highlights the shift from knowledge transfer to competence development, the increase in lifelong learning, and the importance of informal learning, user generated content, and open educational resources. He then shows how to manage quality by presenting a step by step guide to developing customized quality concepts for open learning landscapes. Finally, several methods dealing with assessment in these new environments are presented, including guidelines, templates and use cases to exemplify the approaches. Overall, Ehlers argues for assessment as an integral part of learning processes, with quality assurance as a method of stimulating a quality culture and continuous quality development rather than as a simple controlling exercise.

This book provides an updated look at issues that comprise the online learning experience creation process. As online learning evolves, the lines and distinctions between various classifications of courses has blurred and often vanished. Classic elements of instructional design remain relevant at the same time that newer concepts of learning experience are growing in importance. However, problematic issues new and old still have to be addressed. This handbook explores many of these topics for new and experienced designers alike, whether creating traditional online courses, open learning experiences, or anything in between.

A survival guide companion for students beginning their first online or hybrid class Introduction to Online Learning introduces first-time distance learners to the realities of Web-based education and serves as the most comprehensive, practical guide to achieving success when facing online-specific barriers as well as common academic hurdles. Written by an experienced instructor, this invaluable aid shows students how to overcome challenges related to e-mail communication, technological catastrophes, staying organized on a daily basis, and more. Students learn to take advantage of the unique resources available for those enrolled in internet-based programs and to make the most of their Web-based educational experience by tailoring it to their personal strengths, needs, and learning styles. Key Features The author provides clear explanations of how to tailor research, writing, and citing sources to the online classroom, as well as when citations are necessary Concrete, original examples link the text to students′ personal experiences; illustrations vividly bring material to life Screenshots and excerpts from online syllabi help students navigate their first course requirements Examples of appropriate discussion board interaction aid students in progressing in their course with confidence Self-assessments guide students in determining individual learning styles and levels of preparedness The open-access student study site includes first-person testimonials and advice from online students and instructors, links to relevant Web sites and resources, and self-quizzes. Intended Audience This groundbreaking supplement is a must-have for any student enrolled in an online course or degree program, or for students enrolled in hybrid courses including a mix of online and classroom learning.

This comprehensive guide addresses the needs and concerns of HR and training managers who want to help their organizations implement distance learning programs but don't know where to start. The Handbook offers practical advice to help get your organization started in distance learning or improve your existing distance learning program. Topics covered include how to apply distance learning to new product and policy information, job skills training/retraining, advanced professional education, management development courses, and customer education.