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Special Regional Issue of IRRODL on Africa

Written by terrya
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Special Regional Issue of IRRODL on Africa

I hope that readers will not be overwhelmed with IRRODL postings in this blog, as this is a record year for publication. We will likely have 6 issues, and 10(4) that went “to press” this week is our 4th regional special issue.

This special issue presents 9 peer reviewed research articles- each focusing on distance education in Africa. Thanks to Special Issue editors Rashid Aderinoye, Richard Siaciwena, Clayton R Wright for help with this issue. The issue also contains 3 book reviews and a technical report.
Enjoy and Learn!

Terry

IRRODL, My Work

New Edition of the APA Publication Manual

Written by terrya
3 Comments

At least in North America, and in education domains, in which I am involved, The American Psychological Association calls the shots in terms of formatting and style for most education publications, student papers and thesis work. In addition it is the normal format required for many (most?) educational Journals including the one I edit IRRODL.

Thus, I pay attention when a new edition comes out. Generally the edits and enhancements made to each addition are useful and helpful in reducing complexity and increasing intuitiveness. In particular as an online journal we are concerned with the ways that electronic resources are cited, quoted and included in formal academic discourse.  The 6th edition continues this positive trend. The changes are covered in both podcast and text format at the APA’s site. They also offer an online course Mastering the 6th Edition for $40.

Things I like about the 6th edition include:Read More

Distance Education, IRRODL, My Work

Epub versions of IRRODL Articles

Written by terrya
3 Comments

Thanks to our friends and publisher at Athabasca University Press, we have been experimenting with publishing IRRODL articles in epub format. Epub format is supported by the The International Digital Publishing Forum and was designed for reading books on portable and lother electronic readers.  The Web-Books site explains that “the EPUB format can be viewed by Calibre, Adobe Digital Editions (ADE), FBReader and Stanza. In addition to notebooks and desktops, ADE supports Sony Readers, Stanza targets Apple’s iPhone, and FBReader applies to Google’s Android.”

Displaying the epub articles can be a bit problematic- depending upon the software and hardware you use. Apple’s IPhone supports the free Stanza program (also available for desktop reading) so we have set up a Stanza catalog to distribute our epub formatted articles. Use this URL to add the IRRODL catalog added it to your Stanza’s online catalogs: http://www.irrodl.org/catalog/catalog.atom Or you can open the link below in your iPhone’s browser or email client, and it will do the trick for you:
stanzacatalog://www.irrodl.org/catalog/catalog.atomRead More

IRRODL, My Work

Large, new Issue of IRRODL

Written by terrya
3 Comments

Issue 10(3) of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (IRRODL) was released a couple of hours ago. I take the liberty of reprinting my editorial here, but see below for hotlinked table of contents.

This issue is notable as it is the largest single issue ever published by IRRODL! The issue contains fourteen peer-reviewed research articles, two technical reports, and links to five recordings and Powerpoint slides from research presentations to IRRODL’s sister organization, the Canadian Institute for Distance Education Research (CIDER). It also contains two articles formatted for mobile devices (EPUB), and we welcome feedback, particularly from Amazon Kindle and Stanza users.Read More

IRRODL, My Work

Middle East Special Issue of IRRODL

Written by terrya
2 Comments

I am very pleased to announce the publication of Vol 10 (2) of the International Review of Research on Open and Distance Learning (IRRODL). This is the Middle East Regional Focus Issue: A Bridge over Troubled Waters.

Full text of all articles in HTML,PDF and MP3 audio is available at www.irrodl.org

The issue was co-edited by two Guest editors, from different Middle Eastern countries. Yoram Eshet (Open University IsraeL) and Cengiz Hakan Aydin (Andolu University, Turkey) worked together to solicit proposals, invite papers, manage the peer review and edit the 11 papers that are in this issue. This is the 3rd regional issue – following Australia 6(1) 2006 and SouthEast Asia (8(1) 2007 and proceeding this fall’s African regional focus issue. I would like to thank Yoram and Hakan, both personally and on behalf of IRRODL readers  as we surmounted the learning curve when transitioning to using the Open Journal System for managing all aspects of the review and production processes. Also thanks to all the authors, reviewers and editors without whom, open access scholarly publication could not happen.

I know you will enjoy reading the editorial and all the papers. Likely you will come away with a much greater appreciation of the very rapid development of distance and e-learning capacity in the last decade in this region. Hopefully you will also find ideas and thoughts that will stimulate and improve your own distance education scholarship and practice.

The issue also contains a book review by Mary Kennedy on Evaluation in Distance Education and E-Learning by Ruhe, V. & Zumbo, B. D. (2009). I would also like to announce the appointment of Dr Peter Cookson as IRRODL’s new book review editor. If you have a recent text that you think should be reviewed for IRRODL, or you are willing be a book reviewer, please contact Peter at  <peterscookson@gmail.com>

Table of Contents:

Vol 10, No 2 (2009)

Middle East Regional Focus Issue: A Bridge over Troubled Waters

Editorial

A Bridge over Troubled Waters: Learning Technologies in the Middle East HTML PDF MP3
Yoram Eshet-Alkalai, Cengiz Hakan Aydin

Main Section

Looking under the Bonnet: Factors Affecting Student Adoption of E-Learning Systems in Jordan Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Muneer Mahmood Abbad, David Morris, Carmel de Nahlik Article 10.2.1
Exploring Open Distance Learning at a Jordanian University: A Case Study Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Khalil M. Dirani, Seung Won Yoon Article 10.2.2
Quality of Distance Education in Turkey: Preschool Teacher Training Case Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Mehmet Gultekin Article 10.2.3
Research Insights from a Decade of Campus-Wide Implementation of Web-Supported Academic Instruction at Tel Aviv University Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Rafi Nachmias, Judith Ram Article 10.2.4
Gender Dependency and Cultural Independency of Science Interest in an Open and Distant Science Learning Environment Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Ayelet Baram-Tsabari, Alaa Kaadni Kaadni Article 10.2.5
Psychosocial Well-Being of Israeli Students and Attitudes toward Open and Distance Learning Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Gila Kurtz, Yair Amichai-Hamburger, Jeffrey Kantor Article 10.2.6
Communication and Collaboration, Satisfaction, Equity, and Autonomy in Blended Learning Environments: A Case from Turkey Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Yasemin Gülbahar, R. Orçun Madran Article 10.2.7
Turkish University Students’ Perceptions of the World Wide Web as a Learning Tool: An Investigation Based on Gender, Socio-Economic Background, and Web Experience Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Erkan Tekinarslan Article 10.2.8
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Service of Multiculturalism Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Elaine Hoter, Miri Shonfeld, Asmaa Ganayim Article 10.2.9
Pedagogical and Design Aspects of a Blended Learning Course Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Karen Precel, Yoram Eshet-Alkalai, Yael Alberton Article 10.2.10
Are We There Yet? A Progress Report from Three Turkish University Pioneers in Distance Education and E-Learning Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Colin Latchem, Nurettin Simsek, Ozlem Cakir Balta, Orhan Torkul, I. Hakkı Cedimoglu, Alpaslan Altunkopru Article 10.2.11

Book Notes

Evaluation in Distance Education and E-Learning: The Unfolding Model HTML PDF MP3
Mary Kennedy

This announcement is sent only to subscribers of IRRODL. You can subscribe (free) or cancel your subscription to  IRRODL at http://www.irrodl.org/miscfiles/subscribe.htm.
We also welcome volunteer peer reviewers. If you are interested please register and complete your profile at http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/user/register

Distance Education, IRRODL,

Another Issue of IRRODL out the door

Written by terrya
4 Comments

We are pleased to release another fine issue of International Review of Research on Open and Distance Learning (IRRODL). This issue marks our 10th year of publication and I am confident that IRRODL is now the most widely read and cited distance education journal in the world. We  present in this issue 8 peer reviewed scholarly articles (from 5 continents), and 2 book reviews. There is also an editorial from Brigette McConkey, new IRRODL Managing editor  which lists the  top downloaded article stats from 2008 and an offer to apply as IRRODL Book Review editor.

Free subscription to IRRODL

Vol 10, No 1 (2009)

Editorial

IRRODL Editorial HTML PDF MP3
Terry Anderson
IRRODL is Growing! HTML PDF MP3
Brigette McConkey

Main Section

Kothmale Community Radio Interorg Project: True Community Radio or Feel-Good Propaganda? Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Liz Francisca Rosalia Harvey-Carter Article 10.1.1
Critical and Higher Order Thinking in Online Threaded Discussions in the Slovak Context Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Katarina Pisutova-Gerber, Jana Malovicova Article 10.1.2
Increasing Public Access to University Qualifications: Evolution of The University of the West Indies Open Campus Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Michael L. Thomas, Judith Soares Article 10.1.3
Research and Practice in K-12 Online Learning: A Review of Open Access Literature Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Cathy S. Cavanaugh, Michael K. Barbour, Tom Clark Article 10.1.4
Integrated Networks: National and International Online Experiences Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Osvaldo Antonio Muniz-Solaris, Christine Coats Article 10.1.5
Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Jason Rhode Article 10.1.6
Recurring Issues Encountered by Distance Educators in Developing and Emerging Nations Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Clayton R. Wright, Gajaraj Dhanarajan, Sunday A. Reju Article 10.1.7
Making Education Equitable in Rural China through Distance Learning Abstract HTML PDF MP3
Shiling McQuaide Article 10.1.8

Book Notes

Pask to the Future HTML PDF MP3
Griff Richards
Distance Learning in Higher Education: A Programmatic Approach to Planning, Design, Instruction, Evaluation and Accreditation HTML PDF MP3
Terry Anderson
Distance Education, IRRODL, My Work

On Open, distance, e-learning and other name confusion

Written by terrya
8 Comments

Defining terms like Open and Distance Education has consumed the interest, and resulted in many publications for vocabulary squabblers and some noted educational academics over the years. The rapid evolution of technologies and their adaptation and adoption within the learning and education communities provides opportunities for yet more of this discourse and this post, will likely be yet one more. It is intriguing to note that recent posts on the history of open education have completely neglected the earlier debate and begin with the relatively recent Open Educational resource movement.Read More

Distance Education, IRRODL, PLEs, ,

Another great issue of IRRODL

Written by terrya

I feel less engaged in shameless self-promotion, with this announcement of the 9.3 issue of the International Review of Research on Open and Distance Learning (IRRODL), as Jon Baggaley was the editor in charge of this fine issue.

The issue features a video as well as text editorial by Jon, neither of which should be missed. As usual, each of the 8 main section articles is available in HTML, PDF and MP3 format- no excuse for listening to hot tunes on your IPOD, during this week’s commutes, when you could be engaged learning with some of the world’s best distance education researchers and theorists!! The issue also contains 4 book reviews and 2 “research notes” articles. As always, IRRODL articles are available to all as Open Access resources, distributed under a Creative Commons License. Don’t forget to register for a free email subscription, in case you miss my blog post announcing Issue 10.1 in a few months

EduBloggers, while likely be especially interested in the review of connectivism by Rita Kop & Adrian Hill and a research article on student motivation for blog use by Paul Henry Leslie and Elizabeth Murphy. Adminstrators will enjoy learning about re-engineering distance education processes in a great article by M’hammed Abdous and Wu He. Theorists will welcome both the constructivism article and one on the role of Transaction Theory by Sushita Gokool-Ramdoo as the major theoretical grounding in distance education.

Jon Baggaley has gathered a very international mix for this issue with articles from Japan, Iceland, Ghana, United Arab Emerits, USA and SE Asia – affirming IRRODL’s claim to be the most international of the distance education journals. My thanks to Jon for very ably editing the last two issues of IRRODL, while I was on sabbatical.

This issue also is the final one to be constructed by Managing Editor, Paula Smith. Paula has been the key factor in the timely production and innovations of IRROD over the past 6 years. She leaves to begin her own web 2.0 communications company. I am sure all those who have directly interacted with Paula during the review and publication of IRRODL articles will wish her well and join me in thanking her for her considerable efforts. For those whose only contact with Paula, was indirect through reading IRRODL articles, you have benefited from her keen eye for detail, publishing innovations and competent procurement and distribution of many important works during her tenure. Best wishes Paula, from all your IRRODL friends and subscribers.

Terry Anderson- Editor, IRRODL

Distance Education, IRRODL, Uncategorized

Another Issue of IRRODL and Impact Factors

Written by terrya
2 Comments

Volume 9, No. 2 of the International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning (www.irrodl.org) is now online.

I like this issue for a number of reasons:

I managed to twist the arm of a colleague, Jon Baggaley, to guest edit the issue, as I am still officially on sabbatical. Jon, with the usual able assistance of the Managing Editor, Paula Smith, did an excellent job of gathering and reviewing 8 full articles, 1 research notes article, 2 Technical Reviews and 2 book reviews – all of which are available in PDF and Mp3 format.

Second the articles reflect international perspectives with articles from Brazil, Greece, Sri Lanka, Canada and the US, and reviews of distance education developments in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. I won’t describe the articles as Jon has done this in his editorial.

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Distance Education, IRRODL, My Work

Time, Ice and CNIE

Written by terrya
2 Comments

I spent a few learning filled days last week at the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education Conference in Banff. This was the first conference of the new organization created from the merger of the Association For Media and Technology in Education and the Canadian Association for Distance Education. I suggested at the final plenary session that presenters upload their slides to Slideshare using the tag CNIE2008, (or just CNIE) and many have.
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Distance Education, IRRODL