Creating the Virtual Classroom: Distance Learning with the Internet

Whether it's simply a class on telecommunications and education, a full-blown M.B.A. degree program, or something in between, today's technology has vast implications for the educational community.

Creating the Virtual Classroom gets right down to the real issues of the design and management of distance learning programs -giving practical advice on putting together effective courses and programs. You'll find out how to propose, plan, and fund a distance learning program for any level from kindergarten through college. You'll learn all of the techniques you'll need to evaluate and advertise your program. There's in-depth coverage of all the latest technologies, including the Internet and the Web, as well as an illuminating chapter on reconceptualizing education and training through distance learning. Special appendices offer up-to-date information about newsgroups and mailing lists, instructional Web sites, online resources for grants and proposals, and much more.

The book features:
* Comprehensive coverage of the various forms of distance learning from e-mail and online teleconferences to the World Wide Web
* Sample checklists to make planning easier
* Tips on advertising and promoting your distance learning program
* Detailed advice on funding and grants
* Course design considerations for an international audience

Whether it's simply a class on telecommunications and education, a full-blown M.B.A. degree program, or something in between, today's technology has vast implications for the educational community.

Creating the Virtual Classroom gets right down to the real issues of the design and management of distance learning programs -giving practical advice on putting together effective courses and programs. You'll find out how to propose, plan, and fund a distance learning program for any level from kindergarten through college. You'll learn all of the techniques you'll need to evaluate and advertise your program. There's in-depth coverage of all the latest technologies, including the Internet and the Web, as well as an illuminating chapter on reconceptualizing education and training through distance learning. Special appendices offer up-to-date information about newsgroups and mailing lists, instructional Web sites, online resources for grants and proposals, and much more.

The book features:
* Comprehensive coverage of the various forms of distance learning from e-mail and online teleconferences to the World Wide Web
* Sample checklists to make planning easier
* Tips on advertising and promoting your distance learning program
* Detailed advice on funding and grants
* Course design considerations for an international audience

Library Journal

There is less technology here than in McCormack's book (above), but Porter presents a better conceptual approach to web education. She doesn't let either technology or reality get in her way as she discusses the possibilities and pitfalls. Porter examines the analysis and design issues for all types of distance learning and compares the use of teleconferencing, desktop video conferencing, and multiuser domains (MUDs). She even looks at funding options. A good introduction, this is recommended for the managers who need to get an overview, write the grants, and hire the techies.

LYNNETTE R. PORTER, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the University of Findlay in Bowling Green, Ohio, where she is Chair of the Distance Learning Committee. In addition, she operates a consulting business specializing in business communications and technical/computer training, and speaks frequently on the topic of technical communications. She is also the author of Research Strategies in Technical Communications (Wiley).