Promoting Student Learning and Student Development at a Distance

With today's telecommunication capabilities and advanced information technologies, more and more learners can complete entire academic degree programs without ever setting foot in their institution's main campus. In fact, over 100 American institutions already offer distance learning degree programs or certificate courses, and more are on the way. Promoting Student Learning and Student Development at a Distance meets this growing trend head-on with its definitive examination of contemporary electronic classroom environments. Drawing from institutions all over the United States, the book outlines factors and practices that both directly and indirectly influence the adjustment, learning and development of distance students. It also provides a detailed overview of student affairs responses to distant student needs, stressing the importance of building communities at a distance and using a case study to illustrate the design of distance student services. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it offers concrete strategies for improvement, such as the creation of four new roles for student development professionals as distance educators: Faculty Development Provider, Academic Liaison, Program Designer, and Outcome Evaluator. As a result, Promoting Student Learning and Student Development at a Distance is more than just a valuable resource to the learner and educator alike. It is an integral ingredient to the future success of tomorrow's student. Co-published with American College Personnel Association.

Alan M. Schwitzer is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling at Old Dominion University in Virginia. Julie R. Ancis is Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Nina Brown is Professor counseling at Old Dominion University in Virginia.