Creating Transformative Online Communities in Higher Education provides a practical approach for building authentic learning experiences into the design and delivery of online teaching and learning systems. Combining three conceptually related ideas-complexity theory, transformative learning, and the Community of Inquiry-this novel, highly applicable framework enables instructors to create compelling virtual learning experiences for students. As higher education faculty, instructional designers, and graduate students shift from presenting information to creating experiences, the book offers an evidence-based disruption of the current thinking on and practice of course design.

Microlearning in the Digital Age explores the design and implementation of bite-sized learning and training in technology-enabled environments. Grounded in research-based best practices and a robust, eight-dimensional framework, this book applies the latest developments in mobile learning, social media, and instructional/multimedia design to one of today's most innovative and accessible content delivery systems. Featuring experts from higher education, information technology, digital gaming, corporate, and other contexts, this comprehensive guide will prepare graduate students, researchers, and professionals of instructional design, e-learning, and distance education to develop engaging, cost-effective microlearning systems.

This book is an investigation into the role which social presence and identity play in online learning environments. Scholars across disciplines have grappled with the questions of what it means for a person to be and to interact online. In the context of online learning, these questions reflect specific concerns related to how well people can learn in a setting limited to mediated interactions and lacking various communication cues. For example, how can a teacher and students come to know each other if they cannot see each other? How can they effectively understand and communicate with each other if they are separated by space and, in many instances, time? These concerns are related to social presence and identity, both of which are complex, multi-faceted, and closely interrelated constructs. The chapters in this book consider how online learning has developed and changed over time in terms of technology, pedagogy, and familiarity. Collectively these chapters show the diverse ways that educational researchers have explored social presence and identity. They also highlight some of the nuanced concerns online educators might have in these areas. This book was originally published as a special issue of Distance Education.

Blended Basic Language Courses: Design, Pedagogy, and Implementation examines lower-division blended courses in fifty-two second language programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Drawing upon a large-scale original study of language faculty, instructors, program directors, and students who have experience with blended classes of thirteen languages other than English, this volume provides new information about the breadth of blended course designs and implementation strategies in use in basic language programs. The mixed-methods study, conducted with surveys and interviews, recommends ways that institutions, departments, and instructors can make the most of digital pedagogy to support student learning, both in officially blended courses and at all levels of technological integration, from fully face-to-face to fully online.

This edited collection helps those teaching religion in higher education utilize technology to increase student learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Recent times have seen major technological shifts that have important implications for how religion is taught at a post-secondary level. Providing multiple perspectives on a range of topics-including social media use and interactive classroom learning -this book presents a series of original case studies and insights on how technology can be used in religion classes in higher education to improve student learning.

Challenging the assumption that access to technology is pervasive and globally balanced, this book explores the real and potential limitations placed on young people's literacy education by their limited access to technology and digital resources. Drawing on research studies from around the globe, Stories from Inequity to Justice in Literacy Education identifies social, economic, racial, political and geographical factors which can limit populations' access to technology, and outlines the negative impact this can have on literacy attainment. Reflecting macro, meso and micro inequities, chapters highlight complex issues surrounding the productive use of technology and the mobilization of multimodal texts for academic performance and illustrate how digital divides might be remedied to resolve inequities in learning environments and beyond. Contesting the digital divides which are implicitly embedded in aspects of everyday life and learning, this text will be of great interest to researchers and post-graduate academics in the field of literacy education.

Research Methods in Learning Design and Technology explores the many forms, both new and established, that research takes within the field of instructional design and technology (IDT). Chapters by experienced IDT researchers address methodologies such as meta-analysis, social media research, user experience design research, eye-tracking research, and phenomenology, situating each approach within the broader context of how IDT research has evolved and continues to evolve over time. This comprehensive, up-to-date volume familiarizes graduate students, faculty, and instructional design practitioners with the full spectrum of approaches available for investigating the new and changing educational landscapes. The book also discusses the history and prospective future of research methodologies in the IDT field.

As the online world of creative writing teaching, learning, and collaborating grows in popularity and necessity, this book explores the challenges and unique benefits of teaching creative writing online. This collection highlights expert voices who have taught creative writing effectively in the online environment, to broaden the conversation regarding online education in the discipline, and to provide clarity for English and writing departments interested in expanding their offerings to include online creative writing courses but doing so in a way that serves students and the discipline appropriately. Interesting as it is useful, Theories and Strategies for Teaching Creative Writing Online offers a contribution to creative writing scholarship and begins a vibrant discussion specifically regarding effectiveness of online education in the discipline.

Lexicon of Online and Distance Learning, a desktop resource, focuses specifically on distance education for researchers and practitioners. It provides key information about all levels of education (that is, K-12, higher education, proprietary education, and corporate training), allowing for comprehensive coverage of the discipline of distance education. The book offers a comprehensive index of distance learning terms; cross-references to synonyms and, when appropriate, online web links to encourage further exploration. Each lexicon entry is categorized by its root terminology-general, education, technology, instructional technology, or distance education-and provides the actual definition and complete exploration of the term along with specific references that include related books, volumes, and available manuscripts.

The growth of virtual online programs at the K-12 level is unparalleled in the history of education. This book discusses what constitutes a viable online program and how programs maintain rigorous courses, creditability, and high academic standards. Barnard and Echols provide practical information about the vision, curriculum, course designs, and the impact of "for profit" online schools. This book offers practical advice and guidance to those concerned with developing and improving current programs.

-Includes positive perspectives on the potential and opportunities of digital learning and new assessments to promote learning and engage learners in ways not previously available; -Explores the broader social contexts and policy issues surrounding implementation, including as these relate to teacher and student roles and dispositions; -Extends to the nature of digital learning assessments as they pertain to International Large-Scale Assessments (e.g. PISA), national testing, and the emergence of online/app based formative assessments, and their subsequent utilization in schooling systems for policy, accountability and improved teaching and learning outcomes.

The growth of virtual online programs at the K-12 level is unparalleled in the history of education. This book discusses what constitutes a viable online program and how programs maintain rigorous courses, creditability, and high academic standards. Barnard and Echols provide practical information about the vision, curriculum, course designs, and the impact of "for profit" online schools. This book offers practical advice and guidance to those concerned with developing and improving current programs.

Originally published in 1986, The Planning and Management of Distance Education examines the problems faced by those who are setting up and managing distance education systems of various kinds. The book begins by considering definitions of distance education and various models which can be used to describe and understand distance education systems. The second chapter considers various general education models and relates these to distance education. The concepts introduced in the first two chapters form a background to the rest of the book. The next section looks at the aspirations of those setting up distance education systems, the economics and costs of such systems, and the process of planning a distance education system from scratch (chapters 3-5). Chapters 6-11 consider aspects of planning and management - organisation, staffing, planning, budgeting, the management of the academic processes related to materials development and the provision of local student services, production management (the management of materials production and distribution), operations management (the management of the delivery of student services) - and the impact of new technology on production and operations management, and finally, evaluation. The short concluding chapter draws together some of the themes running through the book.

Best Practices for Administering Online Programs is a practical volume for university teams seeking to manage effective online programs. Defining, designing, implementing, and updating online courses is a highly collaborative effort, particularly with limited resources and expanding student enrollment. This book unites the efforts of program directors, supervisors, department chairs, participating faculty, instructional designers, IT specialists, and support staff toward a common goal: affordable, accessible, and scalable online learning. Readers will find guidelines for fostering quality, faculty skills, academic integrity, learning objectives, course improvement, and more.

Best Practices for Administering Online Programs is a practical volume for university teams seeking to manage effective online programs. Defining, designing, implementing, and updating online courses is a highly collaborative effort, particularly with limited resources and expanding student enrollment. This book unites the efforts of program directors, supervisors, department chairs, participating faculty, instructional designers, IT specialists, and support staff toward a common goal: affordable, accessible, and scalable online learning. Readers will find guidelines for fostering quality, faculty skills, academic integrity, learning objectives, course improvement, and more.

Research Methods in Learning Design and Technology explores the many forms, both new and established, that research takes within the field of instructional design and technology (IDT). Chapters by experienced IDT researchers address methodologies such as meta-analysis, social media research, user experience design research, eye-tracking research, and phenomenology, situating each approach within the broader context of how IDT research has evolved and continues to evolve over time. This comprehensive, up-to-date volume familiarizes graduate students, faculty, and instructional design practitioners with the full spectrum of approaches available for investigating the new and changing educational landscapes. The book also discusses the history and prospective future of research methodologies in the IDT field.

Merging the Instructional Design Process with Learner-Centered Theory brings together the innovations of two previously divided processes - learning design strategies/theories and instructional systems development - into a new introductory textbook. Using a holistic rather than fragmented approach that includes top-level, mid-level, and lower-level design, this book provides guidance for major topics such as non-instructional interventions, just-in-time analysis, rapid-prototype approaches, and learner-centered, project-based, anytime-anywhere instruction. Informed by the authors' considerable experience and leadership throughout dramatic shifts in today's learning landscape, this book offers the next generation of instructional designers a fresh perspective that synthesizes and pushes beyond the basics of design and development.

An accessible guide for fun and stress-free homeschooling! When you homeschool your children, you can shape their education according to your own standards, values, and ideas. In The Everything Guide to Homeschooling, homeschooler Sherri Linsenbach provides you with all the information, inspiration, and encouragement you need to easily and successfully homeschool your children from grades K-12. This complete guide contains information on: The Common Core standards and how they impact families Creating plans for typical homeschool days, including schedules and activities Utilizing curriculum resources, strategies, and methods Managing specific learning styles and special needs This guide is packed full of ideas to make homeschooling your child easy, affordable, and, most of all, fun. With ideas for tackling social issues and motivating your child, this is the only reference you'll need to keep home education exciting and ensure your child's success!