ABSTRACT

There is currently a technological revolution taking place in higher education. The growth of e-learning is being described as explosive, unprecedented, and above all, disruptive. This timely and comprehensive book provides a coherent framework for understanding e-learning in higher education.
The authors draw on their extensive research in the area to explore the technological, pedagogical and organisational implications of e-learning, and more importantly, they provide practical models for educators to use to realise the full potential of e-learning. A unique feature of the book is that the authors focus less on the ever-evolving technologies and more on the search for an understanding of these technologies from an educational perspective.
This book will be invaluable for researchers, practitioners and senior administrators looking for guidance on how to successfully adopt e-learning in their institutions. It will also appeal to anyone with an interest in the impact of e-learning on higher education and society.

chapter 1|8 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

PART I The conceptual framework

chapter 2|11 pages

Theoretical foundation

chapter 3|10 pages

Community of inquiry

chapter 4|16 pages

The technology of e-learning

chapter 5|7 pages

Social presence

chapter 6|9 pages

Cognitive presence

chapter 7|9 pages

Teaching presence

part |2 pages

PART II Applying the framework

chapter 8|17 pages

Guidelines for practice

chapter 9|13 pages

Assessment and evaluation

chapter 10|10 pages

Organizational issues

chapter 11|10 pages

Future directions