Perfect for graduate students as well as behavioral and social scientists who supervise and conduct research! In the fully updated Fourth Edition of their best-selling guide, Surviving Your Dissertation, Kjell Erik Rudestam and Rae R. Newton answer questions concerning every stage of the dissertation process, including selecting a suitable topic, conducting a literature review, developing a research question, understanding the role of theory, selecting an appropriate methodology and research design, analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting results. In addition, this must-have guide covers topics that other dissertation guides often miss, such as the many types of quantitative and qualitative research models available, the principles of good scholarly writing, how to work with committees, how to meet IRB and ethical standards, and how to overcome task and emotional blocks. With plenty of current examples, the new edition features an expanded discussion of online research, data collection and analysis, and the use of data archives, as well as expanded coverage of qualitative methods and added information on mixed methods.

Chronicle of Higher Education article about the handbook:
http://chronicle.com/free/2002/08/2002081301t.htm

"This book is a fascinating, comprehensive, revealing array of information about online learning. It is full of practical applications and significant implications for a future where online learning will play an increasingly larger role. It is essential for any library keeping up on online learning innovations."

  "This book not only is that rare breed that addresses online learning in both higher education and corporate environments but every chapter is intriguing, informative, and accurately grounded. This book provides a comprehensive, timely, and informative look at online learning in higher education and corporate training settings. For an update on the state of e-learning in educational and training environments, simply read this book."

¾ D.M. Verkest, AT&T Wireless Services, Vice-President-National Operations

The demand for academic coursework and corporate training programs using the Internet and computer-mediated communication networks increases daily. The development and implementation of these new programs requires that traditional teaching techniques and course work be significantly reworked. This handbook consists of 20 chapters authored by experts in the field of teaching in the online environment to adult students enrolled in graduate university degree programs, corporate training programs, and continuing education courses. The book is organized to first lay a conceptual and theoretical foundation for implementing any online learning program. Topics such as psychological and group dynamics, ethical issues, and curriculum design are covered in this section. Following the establishment of this essential framework are separate sections devoted to the practical issues specific to developing a program in either an academic or corporate environment. Whether building an online learning program from the ground up or making adjustments to improve the effectiveness of an existing program, this book is an invaluable resource. 

Do you ever feel at a loss on how to proceed with a particular set of data? Your Statistical Consultant can provide the answer. This comprehensive guide introduces, describes, and makes recommendations regarding difficult statistical problems and techniques. The authors discuss common problems by addressing frequently asked questions; provide a conceptual overview of topics and techniques; give accounts of such new-found topics as the debate over statistical significance, effect sizes and meta-analysis; and highlight and explain key terms and points.

Although many graduate students and researchers have had course work in statistics, they sometimes find themselves stumped in proceeding with a particular data analysis question. In fact, statistics is often taught as a lesson in mathematics as opposed to a strategy for answering questions about world ?], leaving beginning researchers at a loss for how to proceed. In these situations, it is common to turn to a statistical expert, the "go to" person when questions regarding appropriate data analysis emerge. "Your Statistical Consultant "is an authentic alternative resource for describing, explaining, and making recommendations regarding thorny or confusing statistical issues. Written to be responsive to a wide range of inquiries and levels of expertise, this book is flexibly organized so readers can either read it sequentially or turn directly to the sections that correspond to their concerns and questions.

The Handbook of Online Learning is a comprehensive reference text for teachers and administrators of online courses and programs. It presents a discussion of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of online learning along with an exploration of practical implementation strategies. New and Ongoing FeaturesEmphasizes interactive teaching/learning strategies challenging readers to think differently about pedagogy Provides a strong theoretical base before discussing applications: Part I first presents the changing philosophies and theories of learning, while Part II covers implementation or the practice of online learning Offers several chapters that deal with the issues related to the growing corporate online learning environment Includes twelve NEW articles on the latest issues such as psychology of online learning, training faculty, digital libraries, ethical dimensions in online learning, legal issues, course management systems and evolving technologies. key articles retained from current edition are revised and updated to reflect current trends and changes in the field

Praise for the First Edition"The Fielding Institute authors apply an impressive wealth of organizational management theory and experience in their analyses of computer-mediated teaching and learning. The result is an enjoyable-to-read, fresh and lively book, delivering an abundance of ideas about how to establish a supportive learning environment, design a well structured course and manage electronically mediated dialog, -- in other words, how to successfully facilitate learning in the new context of on-line distance education." Michael G. Moore, Pennsylvania State University and Editor, The American Journal of Distance Education

"This book is a fascinating, comprehensive, revealing array of information about online learning. It is full of practical applications and significant implications for a future where online learning will play an increasingly larger role. It is essential for any library keeping up on online learning innovations." Dr. Bernard J. Luskin, President and Co-CEO, GlobalLearningSystems, Inc. Visiting Professor, Claremont Graduate University

""This book not only is that rare breed that addresses online learning in both higher education and corporate environments but every chapter is intriguing, informative, and accurately grounded. This book provides a comprehensive, timely, and informative look at online learning in higher education and corporate training settings. For an update on the state of e-learning in educational and training environments, simply read this book."" Curtis J. Bonk, Ph.D., "Indiana"" University"" and Courseshare.com"

""Business and Learning have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship in our culture. The pace of change, however, has created separation between these two vital elements. The "Handbook of Online Learning" showcases the latest thinking and applications in learning delivery, and offers real promise that the gap is being bridged." " D.M. Verkest, "AT&T Wireless Services, Vice-President-National Operations "

"The authors of this book are all experienced distance educators who know what the issues are: How are people engaged in teaching and learning at a distance "present" to one another? How do you create a community in the class? How can a teacher deal with an obstreperous student? What are the teaching/learning environments in universities and corporations as they affect distance education? The essays in this book inhabit the border where the idea of distance education meets the reality. The give practical advice and provide examples informed by both theory and experience." Stanley Chodorow, Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Diego & Former CEO, California Virtual University"

"The book is an excellent addition to those already available in the area and provides a very practical guide that students can pick up and use for reference throughout their dissertation process." -ESCalate (a Higher Education Academy Network publication) Like the previous editions of this bestselling text, Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, Third Edition offers readers guidance that other dissertation guides often miss, from ways to improve one's writing, to identifying one's learning preferences, to dealing with emotional blocks. Using examples from a wide range of disciplines, the authors give readers expert advice on the entire dissertation process: selecting a suitable topic; conducting a literature review; managing data overload; building an argument; presenting the material, data, and results; and working with faculty committees. The entire text has been updated and fresh examples have been added to it. This edition features an up-to-the-minute discussion of online research and the use of software packages. The authors have expanded their coverage of qualitative work, and added information about the use of mixed methods to the book. These updates and more make the Third Edition of Surviving Your Dissertation a must have resource for graduate students. Key Features of the Third Edition: Walks readers through the dissertation process as an ideal mentor would. Devotes more attention to qualitative work, and touches upon mixed methods. Discusses online library resources and completing one's dissertation via the Internet. Features new material on the use of graphics. Includes information about informed consent forms.

In today?s fast-paced world, with multiple demands on time and resources as well as pressures for career advancement and productivity, self-directed learning is an increasingly popular and practical alternative in continuing education.

The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning defines and applies the best practices of contemporary continuing education designed for adults in corporate settings, Open University settings, graduate coursework, and in similar learning environments.

Written for a wide audience in the distance and continuing education field, the Encyclopedia is a valuable resource for deans and administrators at universities and colleges, reference librarians in academic and public institutions, HR officials involved with continuing education/training programs in corporate settings, and those involved in the academic disciplines of Education, Psychology, Information Technology, and Library Science.

Sponsored by The Fielding Graduate Institute, this extensive reference work is edited by long-time institute members, bringing with them the philosophy and authoritative background of this premier institution. The Fielding Graduate Institute is well known for offering mid-career professionals opportunities for self-directed, mentored study with the flexibility of time and location that enables students to maintain commitments to family, work, and community.

The Encyclopedia of Distributed Learning includes over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area, giving the reader comprehensive coverage of all aspects of distributed learning, including use of group processes, self-assessment, the life line experience, and developing a learning contract.

Administrative Processes

Policy, Finance and Governance

Social and Cultural Perspectives

Student and Faculty Issues

Teaching and Learning Processes and Technologies

Technical Tools and Supports

* A-to-Z organization plus Reader?s Guide groups entries by broad topic areas

* Over 275 entries, each written by a specialist in that area

* Comprehensive index and cross-references between entries add to the encyclopedia?s ease of use

* Annotated listings for additional resources, including distance learning programs, print and non-print resources, and conferences

Tony Bates

Gregory S. Blimling

Ellie Chambers

Paul Duguid

Kenneth C. Green

Linda Harasim

Sally Johnstone

Sara Kiesler

William Maehl

Michael G. Moore

Jeremy Shapiro

Ralph A. Wolff