Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0761924515 ISBN 13: 9780761924517

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2003

Synopsis

In today′s fast-paced world, with multiple demands on time and resources as well as pressures for career advancement and productivity, self-directed learning is an increasingly popular and practical alternative in continuing education.

The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning defines and applies the best practices of contemporary continuing education designed for adults in corporate settings, Open University settings, graduate coursework, and in similar learning environments.

Written for a wide audience in the distance and continuing education field, the Encyclopedia is a valuable resource for deans and administrators at universities and colleges, reference librarians in academic and public institutions, HR officials involved with continuing education/training programs in corporate settings, and those involved in the academic disciplines of Education, Psychology, Information Technology, and Library Science.

Sponsored by The Fielding Graduate Institute, this extensive reference work is edited by long-time institute members, bringing with them the philosophy and authoritative background of this premier institution. The Fielding Graduate Institute is well known for offering mid-career professionals opportunities for self-directed, mentored study with the flexibility of time and location that enables students to maintain commitments to family, work, and community.

The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning includes over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area, giving the reader comprehensive coverage of all aspects of distributed learning, including use of group processes, self-assessment, the life line experience, and developing a learning contract.

Topics Covered

• Administrative Processes 
• Policy, Finance and Governance
• Social and Cultural Perspectives
• Student and Faculty Issues
• Teaching and Learning Processes and Technologies
• Technical Tools and Supports

Key Features

• A-to-Z organization plus Reader′s Guide groups entries by broad topic areas
• Over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area
• Comprehensive index and cross-references between entries add to the encyclopedia′s ease of use
• Annotated listings for additional resources, including distance learning programs, print and non-print resources, and conferences

 

About this title

About the Author

Kjell Erik Rudestam is Professor of Psychology at Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California, where he served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for many years. He was previously a psychology professor at York University, Toronto, and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, after receiving his PhD in Psychology (Clinical) from the University of Oregon. He is the author of Your Statistical Consultant: Answers to Your Data Analysis Questions, 2nd edition (also with Rae R. Newton), Handbook of Online Learning, 2nd edition (with Judith Schoenholtz-Read), and eight other books, as well as numerous articles in professional journals on topics including suicide, psychotherapy, and family and organizational systems. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 12), a Diplomate of the American Board of Examiners in Professional
Psychology (Clinical), a Diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science from The Professional School of Psychology.

Reviews

Despite the fact that education is an area that has no lack of reference resources, there is surprisingly little available on the "hot" topic of distance learning. Even Macmillan's Encyclopedia of Education (2002) has only a four-page article and assorted short references to cover something that is touted to be in all our futures. Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning should therefore be a very welcome addition to nearly every reference collection, and for the most part, it performs the function that collection development librarians would want from it. The title phrase distributed learning usually refers only to electronic distance learning, but this volume seems to cover all aspects, electronic or not.

This is a volume that adheres to high production standards. The editors have respectable academic credentials and are affiliated with the Fielding Graduate Institute, an academic entity whose presence is largely "distant." The list of contributors includes faculty from both virtual and "brick and mortar" institutions. All entries are listed at the beginning of the book, a reader's guide section groups headings thematically to assist the researcher, and an appendix provides an annotated list of programs that offer distance degrees.

The body of the volume has an A-Z arrangement, with most of the 174 entries being several pages long. They are signed and include cross-references and a bibliography. The topics covered include Assessment of prior learning, Cultural diversity, Ethics, Library services, and Team teaching. Much of the content covers the technology of distributed learning and therefore is likely to become dated quickly. However, since topics such as Learning platforms and Meta-communication are not easily found elsewhere, what this encyclopedia adds to the literature, along with its relatively modest price, will make it worth the risk of becoming outdated. Recommended for large public and academic libraries. RBB
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Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761924515
• ISBN 13: 9780761924517
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 576
• Editor: DiStefano Anna M., Rudestam Kjell Erik, Silverman Robert J.