Cases on Professional Distance Education Degree Programs and Practices: Successes, Challenges, and Issues

Although internet technologies have transformed the concept of professional development by providing the opportunity for virtual learning environments in a non-traditional setting, the implementation of professional distance education programs still poses a challenge. Cases on Professional Distance Education Degree Programs and Practices: Successes, Challenges, and Issues examines the best practices for executing technology applications and the utilization of distance education techniques. This publication will serve as a reference for academics and instructors coordinating distance education programs, initiating distance education courses, and implementing such programs for those earning professional degrees.

Kirk P H Sullivan is Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Language Studies at Umeå University, Sweden. Kirk teaches online and on campus classes in linguistics, cognitive science, and special educational needs. His research interests concern distance education, iPad pedagogy, indigenous language literacies, writing, and forensic linguistics. Kirk has published in Swedish and International journals and books. Kirk enjoys life-long learning and makes the most of the opportunities distance education via the Internet affords the student.

Peter E. Czigler is Senior Lecturer in Hearing Sciences in the Department of Health and Medical Sciences at Örebro University, Sweden. He teaches on campus and online classes in speech and hearing sciences, communication, and health communication. He is the director of the Audiology Program, and as such he is responsible for the structure and content of the program. He specifically focuses on the progression of students scientific development during three years of studies. Peters research interests concern computer supported education, e-learning, e-portfolio, and health communication.

Jenny Sullivan Hellgren currently works in the Department of Science and Mathematics Education at Umeå University and researches motivation for learning STEM subjects in high school. She completed her PhD in 2003 at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Before taking up her current position, Jenny trained as a high school teacher and taught distance based courses. Her research interest in distance learning is grounded in her practitioner experience.