Learning Online

<p>At a time when more and more of what people learn both in formal courses and in everyday life is mediated by technology <em>Learning Online</em> provides a much-needed guide to different forms and applications of online learning. This book describes how online learning is being used in both K-12 and higher education settings as well as in learning outside of school. Particular online learning technologies such as MOOCs (massive open online courses) multi-player games learning analytics and adaptive online practice environments are described in terms of design principles implementation and contexts of use. </p><p><em>Learning Online</em> synthesizes research findings on the effectiveness of different types of online learning but a major message of the book is that student outcomes arise from the joint influence of implementation context and learner characteristics interacting with technology--not from technology alone. The book describes available research about how best to implement different forms of online learning for specific kinds of students subject areas and contexts. </p><p>Building on available evidence regarding practices that make online and blended learning more effective in different contexts <em>Learning Online</em> draws implications for institutional and state policies that would promote judicious uses of online learning and effective implementation models. This in-depth research work concludes with a call for an online learning implementation research agenda combining education institutions and research partners in a collaborative effort to generate and share evidence on effective practices.</p>