List of Figures ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xix
1 Go the Distance: Education Options Online 1
Synchronous Learning Environments 2
Real-Time Chat 3
PictureTel/Compressed Video 6
Face-to-Face Learning Environments 8
Asynchronous Learning Environments 9
Discussion Boards 11
Templates for Surveys and Quizzes 12
Note and Presentation Posting 14
Video and E-Mail 14
Conclusion 16
References 17
2 Think Strategically: Successful Distance
Education Models for the Library Community 19
Courses for Adult Learners 20
SmartPlanet 20
Annenburg/CPB Project 21
Courses Offered from the American
Association of School Librarians and the
Young Adult Library Services Association 24
Courses Offered by Libraries and Librarians 26
Online Tutorials from the Three Rivers
Regional Library System 29
FALCON: An Interactive Web Tutorial 30
TILT: Texas Information Literacy Tutorial 32
Courses Offered by Accredited Library
and Information Programs 35
Connecticut State University 36
University of Pittsburgh 37
WhatÕs Next 38
Conclusion 39
References 40
3 Lead On: The LibraryÕs Growing Role in
Distance Education 41
Who Are These People, Anyway? 42
High School Distance Learning Programs 43
The School Library Media SpecialistÕs Role 44
Library Resources for Distance Learners 46
Traditional Library Resources to Support
Distance Learners 46
Orientations to Online Research 47
Reference Work 49
Collection Development 52
Non-Traditional Library Roles to Support
Distance Learners 53
Library Services for Distance Instructors 55
Electronic Pathfinders and Other Resource
Organizers 56
Reserves and Delivery 58
Your Online Librarian 59
Standards for Distance Learning Library
Services 60
Copyright 61
Collaboration 62
Conclusion 63
References 64
4 Be Creative: Effective Distance Education
Program Design 67
Background Issues 68
The Organization 68
Objectives of the Instructional Offering 69
The Players 69
The Content Expert 70
The Instructional Designer 72
The Web Designer or Technical Expert 73
Student Testers 74
Potential Audience 74
Technical Considerations 75
Charting the Course 77
Brainstorming 78
Design Process 81
Content Development 92
Putting the Pieces Together 95
Going Live 98
Barriers to Success 100
Language Differences 100
Communication 101
Work Style Challenges 102
Time and Space 103
Fluidity: Are We There Yet? 104
Outcomes for First-Time Distance Learning
Providers 104
Conclusion 105
References 106
5 Renew and Retool: New Skills for the Distance Educator 107
Starting From Scratch: Selecting and
Preparing Content 108
Selecting the Format 111
Preparing the Content 113
Considering the Student 115
Communicating Professionally 116
Responding to E-Mail 118
Discussion Board Facilitation 119
Inappropriate Communication 121
Writing Style Concerns 123
Understanding Assignments 124
Conclusion 125
References 126
6 Handle with Care: Assessment of Distance
Education StudentsÕ Needs 129
Student Readiness 130
Academic Readiness 131
Technological Readiness 135
Once the Program Begins 139
Handling the Technology 140
Knowing Who to Call 142
Conclusion 142
References 143
7 Look Ahead: The Future of the Browsable
Classroom 145
The Facts of Distance Learning 145
Expanding Options for Distance Learners 146
Libraries Get Involved 147
Building the Online Library 148
Teaching in the Virtual Classroom 149
Good Candidates for Distance Learning 150
Conclusion 150
Reference 151
Appendix: Glossary of Useful Distance
Education Terms 153
Bibliography 159
Notes and Credits 161
Index 163
About the Authors 171
