The Theory and Practice of Online Learning

The Theory and Practice of Online Learning brings together scholars and practitioners to explore the foundations of online and distance education. Contributors analyze the foundational theories of constructivism, connectivism, and the community of inquiry model alongside emerging practices in instructional design, learner engagement, and educational technology. Bridging research and application, it provides critical insight into the design, delivery, and evaluation of effective online learning systems. An essential resource for educators, researchers, and administrators, this work defines the intellectual landscape of open, distance, and blended education.

About the Editor

Terry Anderson is professor emeritus at Athabasca University where he held the Canada Research Chair in Distance Education. His thoughts and writings on online education and educational technology can be found at virtualcanuck.ca.

Table of Contents

1. Foreword
2. Introduction / Terry Anderson
3. PART I: Role and Function of Theory in Online Education Development and Delivery
   1. 1. Foundations of Educational Theory for Online Learning / Mohamed Ally
   2. 2. Towards a Theory of Online Learning / Terry Anderson
   3. 3. Situating Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in an Online Learning Environment / Dianne Conrad
   4. 4. Understanding e-Learning Technologies-in-Practice through Philosophies-in-Practice / Heather Kanuka
4. PART II: Infrastructure and Support for Content Development
   1. 5. Developing an Infrastructure for Online Learning / Alan Davis, Paul Little, and Brian Stewart
   2. 6. Technologies of Online Learning (E-learning) / Rory McGreal and Michael Elliott
   3. 7. Characteristics of Interactive Online Learning Media / Patrick. J. Fahy
   4. 8. “In-Your-Pocket” and “On-the-Fly:” Meeting the Needs of Today’s New Generation of Online Learners with Mobile Learning Technology / Maureen Hutchison, Tony Tin, and Yang Cao
   5. 9. Social Software to Support Distance Education Learners / Terry Anderson
5. PART III: Design and Development of Online Courses
   1. 10. The Development of Online Courses / Dean Caplan and Rodger Graham
   2. 11. Value Added – The Editor in Design and Development of Online Courses / Jan Thiessen and Vincent Ambrock
   3. 12. Making Relevant Financial Decisions about Technology in Education / David Annand
   4. 13. The Quality Dilemma in Online Education Revisited / Nancy K. Parker
6. PART IV: Delivery, Quality Control, and Student Support of Online Courses
   1. 14. Teaching in an Online Learning Context / Terry Anderson
   2. 15. Call Centres in Distance Education / Alex Z. Kondra, Colleen Huber, Kerri Michalczuk, and Andrew Woudstra
   3. 16. Library Support for e-Learners: e-Resources, e-Services, and the Human Factors / Kay Johnson, Houda Trabelsi, and Elaine Fabbro
   4. 17. Supporting the Online Learner / Susan D. Moisey and Judith A. Hughes
   5. 18. Developing Team Skills and Accomplishing Team Projects Online / Deborah Hurst and Janice Thomas

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.5 CA). It may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, provided that the original author is credited.