Online and Distance Learning

Here is a useful online learning theory and practice resource that has been updated and published as a second edition.

Athabasca University Press is pleased to announce the publication of the 2nd edition of the Theory and Practice of Online Learning edited by Terry Anderson.

Every chapter in the widely distributed first edition has been updated, and four new chapters on current issues such as connectivism and social software innovations have been added. This 2nd edition and its individual chapters continue to be freely available online under a Creative Commons license.

The 2nd Edition is now available through AU Press:

Download Online Learning Theory and Practice eBook (free)

This 2nd Edition is also available in print:

Download print version (purchase)

About the Editor

Terry Anderson is a professor and Canada Research Chair in Distance Education at Athabasca University. He has published extensively in the area of distance education and educational technology.

Table of Contents

FRONT MATTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD TO THE SECOND EDITION

INTRODUCTION

PART I: Role and Function of Theory in Online Education Development and Delivery

Chapter 1. Foundations of Educational Theory for Online Learning
Mohamed Ally

Chapter 2. Towards a Theory of Online Learning
Terry Anderson

Chapter 3. Situating Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in an Online Learning Environment
Dianne Conrad

Chapter 4. Understanding e-Learning Technologies-in-Practice through Philosophies-in-Practice
Heather Kanuka

PART II: Infrastructure and Support for Content Development

Chapter 5. Developing an Infrastructure for Online Learning
Alan Davis, Paul Little & Brian Stewart

Chapter 6. Technologies of Online Learning (E-learning)
Rory McGreal & Michael Elliott

Chapter 7. Characteristics of Interactive Online Learning Media
Patrick. J. Fahy

Chapter 8. "In-Your-Pocket" and "On-the-Fly:" Meeting the Needs of Today’s New Generation of Online Learners
Maureen Hutchison, Tony Tin & Yang Cao

Chapter 9. Social Software to Support Distance Education Learners
Terry Anderson

PART III: Design and Development of Online Courses

Chapter 10. The Development of Online Courses
Dean Caplan & Rodger Graham

Chapter11. Value Added – The Editor in Design and Development of Online Courses
Jan Thiessen & Vincent Ambrock

Chapter 12. Making Relevant Financial Decisions about Technology in Education
David Annand

Chapter 13. The Quality Dilemma in Online Education Revisited
Nancy K. Parker

PART IV: Delivery, Quality Control, and Student Support of Online Courses

Chapter 14. Teaching in an Online Learning Context
Terry Anderson

Chapter 15. Call Centres in Distance Education
Alex Z. Kondra, Colleen Huber, Kerri Michalczuk & Andrew Woudstra

Chapter 16. Library Support for e-Learners: e-Resources, e-Services, and the Human Factors
Kay Johnson, Houda Trabelsi & Elaine Fabbro

Chapter 17. Supporting the Online Learner
Susan D. Moisey & Judith A. Hughes

Chapter 18. Developing Team Skills and Accomplishing Team Projects Online
Deborah Hurst & Janice Thomas