The Self-Paced Online Tutorial (SPOT) represents the best kind of innovation because it uses digital technologies wisely and because it is based on well-established theory, research, and practice. Extended education plays a pivotal role in the attainment of the California State University's (CSU) vision of providing a high-quality,…

This qualitative case study examined the experiences of instructional designers and professors during the online course development process. The purpose of this study was to determine if their experiences had an effect on the process itself. Data analysis revealed five emergent themes: communication, commitment to quality online courses,…

An internal assessment was conducted utilizing a sociotechnical systems approach and cultural lens as a means of exploring the dynamics of a blended doctoral program. Blended learning environments were conceived of as sociotechnical systems, and blended programs were defined as programs that utilize multimodal means for the mediation of…

Reduced corporate training budgets require cost efficiencies in professional development. Distance learning, with its lower intrinsic costs, will likely become more prevalent. Therefore, the educational experience will change for many professionals. The objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of adult learners attending a drug…

While many institutions deliver some classes in blended format, Brandman University transitioned all of its face-to-face classes to blended delivery, using a model tailored to the needs of adult learners. This article provides research supporting the ways that blended learning principles align with key principles of andragogy. The article provides…

In November 2008 the Sloan Consortium published "Staying the Course: Online Education in the United States." This study produced survey statistics relating to enrollments in online courses. The study confirmed what most administrators and faculty members already suspected: the growth of online higher education continues to be astounding; 3.9…

During the last issue of this journal (Volume 60, Number 2), readers were introduced to Dr. Kelly McGyver. Her department head asked her to teach the 820 course when a colleague faced unexpected medical issues. The department head also requested her to redesign the biennial graduate-level course as an online course two months before the beginning…

The paradigm shift to engaged and collaborative learning delivered via distance education technologies has been led by practitioners in adult and continuing education. Online and blended courses are experiencing increased demand and continued growth at all levels of higher education, professional development, and K-12 education. Adult and…

Portfolio assessment is a valid and reliable method to assess experiential learning. Developing a fully online portfolio assessment program is neither easy nor inexpensive. The institution seeking to take its portfolio assessment program online must make a commitment to its students by offering the technologies most suited to meet students' needs.…

This article discusses how faculty members feel about the growth and quality of distance, distributed, and online higher education. The twenty-first century university must innovate to survive as the Internet becomes the dominant source of knowledge and learning. The twenty-first century student connects with information differently than earlier…

Interviews with 17 graduate school faculty indicated that 71% experienced changes in perspective and practice using technology, including stimulation of students' critical thinking, increased class dialogue, more student-centered teaching, awareness of technology issues, and student engagement in constructivist learning. Learning and using…

Continuing educators must consider the impact of technology on group processes, including ways in which it affects group pressures, communication patterns, and social and emotional components of learning. Administrators and faculty should integrate group process frameworks with educational technologies in order to provide effective learning…

Analyzes the relationship between megatrends (technology, demographics, globalization, branding, consolidation, outsourcing) and use of technology in higher education. Considers how the university's historic mission is eroding and suggests possibilities for both a commitment to that mission and use of high-tech distance learning in the global…

Discusses strategies that can be used to ensure that continuing education remains a vital force in today's marketplace of continuous learning. Suggests that universities must introduce reforms to keep up with the changing marketplace. (Author/JOW)

Offers guidelines for integrating technology-enhanced education into the curricula: (1) support faculty and administration in developing technology-enhanced education; (2) identify information technology skills that graduates will need; (3) assist in planning support systems; (4) work with stakeholders to develop realistic estimates of needed…