Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms - 3rd Edition

In this review of Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms, the reviewer finds a concise, reference-focused volume best suited to educators, researchers, and instructional designers who need a clear set of definitions for a rapidly changing field. The bottom line: this 3rd edition collects and clarifies terminology so readers can quickly align on meaning, and its institutional definition rooted in the Encyclopaedia Britannica yearbook gives the book credibility. For anyone working with policy, course development, or research in remote learning, this reference saves time and reduces confusion.

Key Features

• Authoritative definition: The book uses an institution-based formal definition of distance education that links learning group separation with interactive telecommunications to provide a consistent conceptual baseline.
• Compact glossary: Terms are gathered under one cover so readers can rapidly look up and compare definitions without searching multiple sources.
• Third edition updates: The updated edition reflects evolving language and practice, helping professionals stay current with the field's terminology.
• Practical focus: The volume emphasizes usability for those who must apply terms in policy, course design, or academic writing, reducing ambiguity in communication.
• Research-ready: With roots in the 2009 Encyclopaedia Britannica yearbook, the book supports scholarly work by providing a validated definitional starting point.

Who It's For

The book is ideal for higher education administrators, instructional designers, and researchers who need a reliable glossary to standardize language across programs and studies. It is particularly useful when teams must agree on terms like interactive telecommunications or the boundaries of institution-based formal learning.

Those seeking a how-to manual for delivering courses, a step-by-step pedagogy guide, or an overview of specific technologies should look elsewhere; this volume is a definitional and terminological reference rather than an implementation handbook.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consolidates complex terminology into one accessible reference, saving time when clarifying concepts.
• Provides an authoritative institutional definition linked to reputable publication sources, lending credibility.
• Useful for research and policy work where precise language is essential.
• Updated third edition helps reflect recent shifts in the field's vocabulary.

Cons

• Not a practical guide to implementing distance learning technologies or pedagogy, so readers seeking hands-on advice will need additional resources.

Specifications

Title	Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms, 3rd Edition
Primary authors	Lee Ayers Schlosser, Michael Simonson
Edition	3rd Edition
Scope	Definitions and glossary for distance education terminology
Reference basis	Includes definition expanded on in the 2009 Encyclopaedia Britannica yearbook
Audience	Educators, researchers, instructional designers

Our Verdict

This glossary is a smart purchase for professionals who need a compact, credible reference to unify language across programs and research projects. It is good value when the goal is clarity and consistency in discussions of distance education; however, those wanting implementation guidance should pair it with practical textbooks or technology manuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book define distance education?
The book presents an institution-based formal definition that pairs learner separation with interactive telecommunications as its core concept.

Who will benefit most from this glossary?
Higher education administrators, instructional designers, and researchers who require consistent terminology across programs and studies will find it most useful.

Is this a how-to guide for teaching online?
No. The focus is on definitions and terminology rather than step-by-step instructional methods or technology implementation.