Distance Learning and the Institution: Foundations, Importance and Implementation

The development of distance learning programs ateducational institutions is often a non-systematic,reactive and poorly planned process. Although muchof the literature implies that distance learning hasbecome a fully integrated part of higher education,many institutions continue to struggle to establishtheir distance learning programs. The historicalrecord provides many examples of promisinginnovations that did not endure because they werenever fully institutionalized. In this book, Dr.Anthony Pi¿¿a examines the history and practice oftechnology-delivered learning and identifies thirtyfactors that influence the institutionalization ofdistance learning at educational institutions. Intwo nationwide research studies, distance learningfaculty and leaders validate the importance of thesefactors and rate how well each of the factors hasbeen implemented at their own institutions. Theresults can provide guidance for those establishinge-Learning/distance learning programs and can beutilized in the evaluation, improvement andinstitutionalization of existing programs.

Dr. Anthony Pi¿¿a is Dean of Online Studies for the SullivanUniversity System in Kentucky. He has taught at the secondary,college and university levels and has developed and taught manyonline and blended courses. He has been a professional consultantto Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, universityconsortia and the U.S. Military.