Distance education : [electronic resource] the foundations of effective practice / John R. Verduin, Jr., Thomas A. Clark.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-267) and indexes.

Part one: Distance education and lifelong learning -- The idea and evolution of distance education -- How distance education serves adult learners -- Part two: Strengths and limitations of current practice -- Key approaches to distance education -- Delivering programs to learners -- Assessing program quality and effectiveness -- Part three: Strengthening the theory and practice of distance education -- Program foundations -- Teaching and learning -- Organization and administration -- Conclusion: Opportunities and challenges for the future -- Resource: Academic achievement in distance and higher education.