Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms - Clear Reference

In this review of Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms, the bottom line is clear: this compact reference is best for educators, researchers, and administrators who need a single-source glossary to navigate evolving terminology in remote learning. The reviewer found the 3rd edition particularly useful because it consolidates complex definitions into an accessible format that reflects the field's institutional and technological context. For anyone working with policy, program design, or academic research in distance education, this book saves time and reduces confusion about terms used across studies and practice.

Key Features

• Concise definitions: Each term is presented so readers can quickly grasp accepted meanings used in institutional distance learning.
• Field validation: The book aligns its definition with authoritative sources, including the 2009 Encyclopaedia Britannica yearbook, helping readers trust its perspective.
• Single-source glossary: Packaging terms under one cover reduces the need to consult multiple texts when clarifying technical language.
• Focus on interaction: Emphasis on the role of interactive telecommunications highlights how learners, instructors, and resources connect across distance.
• Third edition updates: The edition reflects ongoing changes in the discipline, making terminology more relevant to current practice.

Who It's For

This book is ideal for higher education faculty, instructional designers, and policy makers who must interpret or standardize language in proposals, evaluations, and program descriptions. Graduate students in education research will also find the concise glossary handy when writing literature reviews or defining study variables.

It is less for casual readers seeking a how-to guide or technical manuals on online teaching platforms; those wanting step-by-step instructional design techniques or software tutorials should look to practitioner handbooks instead of this definitional reference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consolidates complex terminology so professionals can resolve ambiguity quickly across documents.
• Grounds its central definition in recognized reference material, lending credibility to its approach.
• Useful as a quick desk reference during curriculum planning, research, or policy discussions.

Cons

• Not a practical guide for implementing distance learning technologies or hands-on instruction methods.

Specifications

Title	Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms
Edition	3rd Edition
Author	Lee Ayers Schlosser
Scope	Institution-based formal education with separated learners
Key focus	Definitions and glossary of terms
Reference validation	Includes alignment with 2009 Encyclopaedia Britannica yearbook

Our Verdict

This reference is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who needs clear, authoritative definitions in the rapidly changing field of distance education. It is good value for researchers and administrators because it reduces time spent cross-checking terminology and helps produce consistent language in reports and course materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain how to run online courses?
Answer. No, it focuses on definitions and terminology rather than practical steps or platform tutorials.

Is the glossary up to date with modern distance learning terms?
Answer. The 3rd edition updates terminology and aligns its core definition with established reference material to reflect ongoing developments.

Who authored the book and why does that matter?
Answer. Lee Ayers Schlosser compiled the glossary; the author's work matters because it presents consolidated definitions useful for research and institutional use.