Foundations and Practices in the Use of Distance Education

This book provides an overview of how distance education has become an important part of post-secondary education. It also traces the history of distance education and reviews its early foundations. The book also provides a study of how distance education has evolved from simple correspondence schools to more sophisticated settings found today on college campuses. A review of the necessary technologies provides the reader with a clear understanding of how it has impacted the direction higher education will take. From a discussion about the development of educational policy to establishing collaborative communities of learners, the book provides an in-depth look at issues that colleges and universities will have to face it they are to remain competitive. This book will prepare institutions of higher education for meeting the needs of students in the 21st century.