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. PDFs of this 2nd edition and its individual chapters continue to be freely available online under a Creative Commons license.
A PDF of the 2nd Edition is available through AU Press:
Download Online Learning Theory and Practice eBook (free)
This 2nd Edition is also available in print:
View 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