Curtis J. Bonk, is Professor of Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University and President of CourseShare. Mimi Miyoung Lee is Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and instruction at the University of Houston. Thomas C. Reeves is Professor Emeritus of Learning, Design, and Technology at the University of Georgia. Thomas H.…

This response to Perna et al. provides an alternate approach to research on massive open online courses (MOOCs). We argue that a student-centered, theory-driven conceptualization and methodological approaches allow us to move beyond descriptive statistics and into a deeper understanding of MOOC learners. Examples using a teacher development MOOC…

The authors present this interview with Joshua Kim, Director of Digital Learning Initiatives at the Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning (DCAL). Dr. Kim leads Dartmouth College's efforts around online learning and digital innovation for teaching and learning. He is a well-known conference speaker and consultant in the area of…

Two historic pieces of legislation have galvanized deaf people in ways that have not concerned the hearing community. The first is the American Disabilities Act, which extended legal protection to deaf people. The other, less well-known, is the "Deaf Prez Now" (DPN) or the Gallaudet University protest, which occurred in 1988 when the…

Discusses the current trends towards distance learning from the institutional point of view, considers their implications for institutional organizations, and compares them with other forms of opening up learning opportunities for individuals. (Author)

In 1967, the paths of educational reform in the United States and in England unexpectedly crossed with the publication of the Plowden Report in England and articles by Joseph Featherstone and Edward Yeoman in the United States. The years 1967-1974 marked important period in the development of American education, important in the professional lives…

Discusses the relationship between philosophical ideas and practical applications of the educational philosophy of open learning. A general analysis model of open learning that examines this relationship is presented, openness as reflected in the literature of open learning is discussed, and implications for educational providers and users are…

As presently constituted, open learning suits the ideology of privatization, being narrowly vocational and skill oriented. However, open learning should be genuinely flexible, encourage a liberal approach, and develop critical detachment. (SK)

This paper argues that the current skill strategies of New Labour (in England) and the Labour-led Coalition (in New Zealand) are part of a broader project to construct contrasting markets in education and training. On one hand, the skill strategies are helping to construct open education and training markets through creating institutional-based…

Adult education should be a resource-kit, refreshment, retrainer, revitalizing agent upon which citizens may call. For some, it will have instrumental purposes for individual improvement like new jobs or social change through community action. University adult education has the role of influencing the realization of creative human potential. (MLW)

This document contains the proceedings of the 25th World Assembly of the International Council on Education for Teaching. The Assembly focused on the topic of improving teacher education on a global scale. Leading educators from every continent participated in workshops, plenary sessions, and group discussions on a variety of topics dealing with…

Few educators understand the exact nature and scope of alternative graduate programs or the variety of issues that confront their development and viability. Alternative graduate education is defined and the issues and critical concepts of nontraditional graduate study are identified. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the current state of distance education in the United Kingdom and Europe. Highlights include the Open University; Open Tech, for training and vocational development to aid in economic restructuring; government's role; Open College; Open Polytechnic; Open College of the Arts; Open School, for children; and the meaning of open learning.…

Reviews data on (1) the adequacy and allocation of American educational resources; (2) students' achievement compared to foreign students today and American students in the past; (3) the impact of open versus traditional schools; and (4) public assessment of current education. Indicates recent declines in effort, achievement, attitudes, and…

Discusses the impact of information technology and networking on higher education with particular reference to academic libraries, based on experiences in Australia and New Zealand. Highlights include technology and learning; open learning and the virtual campus; network infrastructure; database access; electronic publishing; information…