Building Online Learning Communities further explores the development of virtual classroom environments that foster a sense of community and empower students to take charge of their learning to successfully achieve learning outcomes. This is the second edition of the groundbreaking book by Rena Palloff and Keith Pratt and has been completely updated and expanded to include the most current information on effective online course development and delivery. A practical, hands-on guide, this resource is filled with illustrative case studies, vignettes, and examples from a wide variety of successful online courses. The authors offer proven strategies for handling challenges that include:

• Engaging students in the formation of an online learning community.
• Establishing a sense of presence online.
• Maximizing participation.
• Developing effective courses that include collaboration and reflection.
• Assessing student performance.

Written for faculty in any distance learning environment, this revised edition is based on the authors many years of work in faculty development for online teaching as well as their extensive personal experience as faculty in online distance education. Rena M. Palloff and Keith Pratt share insights designed to guide readers through the steps of online course design and delivery.

About the Author
Rena M. Palloff, Ph.D., and Keith Pratt, Ph.D. are the managing partners of Crossroads Consulting Group. They are the authors of Building Learning Communities in Cyberspace, Collaborating Online, Lessons from the Cyberspace Classroom, and The Virtual Student, all from Jossey-Bass.

Reviews
"Palloff and Pratt clearly explain the tasks and functions involved when an instructor moves from face-to-face to the online environment. These include the ability to facilitate education, establish a friendly environment, set an agenda, pace the course, and become comfortable and proficient with the technology. Once established, these function as the groundwork for success.

This book is particularly valuable for educators with minimal knowledge of online learning... The authors have included everything needed to build a strong, successful online course."

(Adult Learning Magazine Volume 19, Numbers 1&2, Winter and Spring 2008)

" . . .the authors' central premise is that a collaborative learning community is the best vehicle for distance education." (Journal of Continuing Higher Education, Fall 2007)

"There will be a range of 'ah ha' moments for the reader working with students in building online learning communities." (NACADA, Nov 20, 2007)

Book Information
ISBN 9780787988258
Author Rena M. Palloff
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Jossey-Bass Inc.,U.S.
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 472g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 180mm * 23mm