This book is an essential guide to the use of technology in flexible and distance learning. The author argues that technology is not inherently good or bad for teaching - it's the way it is used that matters. Teachers and administrators therefore need a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different media and technologies for teaching at a distance.
This update of the highly-successful first edition:
*provides criteria and guidelines for the design and delivery of effective teaching, using modern learning technologies
*pays particular attention to the use of the Internet for distance and flexible education
*looks at the design and use of emerging technologies such as web-based video-conferencing and speech recognition
*emphasises organizational and management issues and how these influence the effective use of technology
*pays particular attention to the integration of online teaching with campus-based face-to-face teaching.
The book's focus on basic principles and general guidelines means that it applies to whatever technologies emerge in the future. It is essential reading not just for those specialising in flexible and distance learning and distance education, but anyone concerned with the integration of technology with teaching.

Contents:
Part 1: Setting the Stage 1. The Development of Technology in Distance Education 2. Selecting Technologies Part 2: Mass Media 3. Print, Audio-cassettes and Video Cassettes 4. Broadcasting 5. Learner Support for Mass Media Technologies Part 3: Interactive Media 6. Synchronous Communications Technologies 7. Asynchronous Communications Technologies 1: Different Models 8. Asynchronous Communications Technologies 2: Strengths and Weaknesses 9. Emerging Technologies and their Impact on Distance Education 10. Emerging Technologies: an Analysis of their Potential 11. Key Issues in Technology-based Distance Education