本书是当代教育技术学研究新视界丛书的其中一本：现代远程教育学，本书是全英文版，为了多渠道促进我国各层次专门教育人才的成长，适应社会主义现代化教育事业发展的需要，提高在职教师和管理人员的教学理论素质与创新精神，以及社会实践能力，培养在教育学方面具有一定学术水准和系统专业知识的教学人才，编写了本书。

PART ONE WHY DO WE NEED DISTANCE EDUCATION？

 Chapter One Needs for Distance Education

Concept of Distance Education

Needs for Distance Education

Benefits of Distance Education

No-significant Difference Phenomenon

References

 Chapter Two History and Status of Distance Education

History of Distance Education in the World

History of Distance Education in China

Barriers to Distance Education

References

PART TWO WHO ARE INVOLVED IN DISTANCE EDUCATION？

 Chapter Three Distance Learners

Adult Learners in Distance Education

Self-directed Learners in Distance Education

Learning Differences among Distance Learners

Learning Strategies for Distance Learners

References

 Chapter Four Distance Educators

Roles in Distance Educators

Competences of Distance Teaching

Good Teaching: The Top Ten Requirements

References

PART THREE WHAT IS INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION？

 Chapter Five Instructional Design for Distance Education

Instructional Design in General

Learner-centered Instructional Design for Distance Education

Setting Objectives

Techniques for Online Instructional Design

References

 Chapter Six Interaction in Distance Education

Concept of Interaction

Categories of Interactions

Modes of Interaction in Distance Education

A Framework of Multi-level Interactions

References

 Chapter Seven Technologies in Distance Education

Distance Education Technologies in General

Selection of DE Technologies and Delivery Strategi

Multimedia Design in Distance Education

References

PART FOUR HOW TO EVALUATE AND SUPPORT DISTANCE EDUCATION？

 Chapter Eight Assessment and Evaluation in Distance Educat

Concepts of Assessment

Concept of Evaluation

Methods of Assessment

Methods of Evaluation

Program Evaluation Models

Best Practices for Distance Education

References

Chapter Nine Support for Distance Education

Networked Online Learning Environments

Policy Issues for Distance Education

Academic Advising in Distance Education

Considerations about Supporting for Distance Education

References

PART FIVE WHERE IS THE FUTURE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION？

 Chapter Ten Globalization and Distance Education

Globalization and Its Evidences

Globalization and Education

Concept of Cultural Differences

Categories of Cultural Differences

Evidences of Cultural Differences in Educational Settings

Considering Cultural Differences in Distance Education

References

AUTHOR INDEX

SUBJECT INDEX

APPENDIX

Faculty Adoption Behavior about Web-based Distance Education: A Case Study from China Agricultural University

Barriers to Diffusion of Web-based Distance Education at China Agricultural Univer-sity

Exploration of a Middle School Web-based Curriculum Design in an Environmental and Health Education Program