Advanced Methods in Distance Education: Applications and Practices for Educators, Administrators and Learners

Courses and programs being delivered at a distance require a unique set of professional competencies. Whether using synchronous or asynchronous methods of instruction, systematic instructional design can help stimulate motivation, increase interaction and social presence, and authenticate learning outcomes. Principles of adult learning, including self-directed and student-centered learning approaches are emphasized in this Advanced Methods in Distance Education: Applications and Practices for Educators, Administrators and Learners . It is designed to be theory to practice, with readers gaining the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in teaching or training using technology-mediated instruction. Major sections include: Foundations of Teaching and Learning at a Distance, Adult Learning, Instructional Design, Technology Knowledge and Skills, Administrative Issues, and Future Directions.

Kim E. Dooley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Education at Texas A&M University. She received her PhD in Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University in 1995 with a specialization in Distance Education. She has conducted numerous professional presentations and training programs around the globe. Her scholarship is communicated through 100 publications including a chapter in Distance Training: How Innovative Organizations Are Using Technology to Maximize Learning and Meet Business Objectives (Eds. Schreiber & Berge, 1998) which received the Wedemeyer Award from the Association of Continuing Education. She has served on many university committees and advisory boards, including the American Distance Education Consortium (A*DEC) International Taskforce.

James R. Lindner is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Education at Texas A&M University. He has established a national reputation as a rigorous scholar and prolific author focusing on planning and needs assessment, and research, measurement, and analysis in the context of distance education. Within the department, Dr. Lindner is helping to develop and deliver the Masters of Agriculture at a distance program and the Doc@Distance program. He has received numerous honors and awards for presentations of research findings at international and national conferences and was recently named the Outstanding Young Agricultural Educator by the American Association for Agricultural Education. As a teacher, he consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching, ranks with the top 25% of effective teachers at Texas A&M University, and has been noted by students and other faculty both within and outside of TAMU for his "excellence," "innovative," "passion for," "actively engaged," "effective," "excellent," and "creative" teaching. He has authored or co- authored over 60 refereed journal articles, two books, several chapters, and 75 research papers presented at local, national, and international conferences. He has been principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or collaborator for over 50 project totaling over $5.0 million in funding.

Dr. Larry M. Dooley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Human Resource Development Program in the Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development at Texas A&M University. He received his PhD in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University in 1989. Moreover, Dr. Dooley is President of the Board of the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) and serves on the Board of the Academy of Human Resource Development Foundation. AHRD is an international organization that encourages the systematic study of human resource development theories, processes, and practices; disseminates information about HRD, encourages the application of HRD research findings from multiple disciplines and from across the globe. His research interests are in the integration of distance learning into organizations for performance improvement, leadership development, and foundations of human resource development. He has authored over 100 publications appearing in professional journals and books. He is also founder of The TECH Training Group, Inc., an international consulting firm.