The Internet and Higher Education

Key concepts of global online higher education; Global distance education issues; Technology and the internet; Designing global online programmes and courses; Global online teaching and learning; Quality assurance and institutional effectiveness; Summary and conclusion.

The purpose of this book is to increase understanding of the major theories, issues, challenges, and solutions related to online distance education. It balances practical advice with a description of the theoretical and research-based underpinnings for the culturally-responsive strategies presented. An important integrating theme is the impact of globalization and internationalization on all aspects of distance education. Consequently, the book examines the implications of global reach and cross-border education and promotes the integration of global learning in academic programs.

• Addresses the global reach of distance education and associated cultural, linguistic, and accreditation issues
• Describes the latest online learning technologies, e.g., blogs, wikis, podcasting, mobile learning, virtual worlds, etc.
• Addresses the culture of higher education and forces that are moving higher education in new directions, e.g., academic capitalism, consumerism, and competition among non-profit, for-profit, and corporate universities

Distance education administrators and faculty members at the university level, graduate students enrolled in higher education administration and teaching programs, and individuals enrolled in professional development courses in online course design and instruction