United States Distance Learning Association

Pedagogy
--Course
Development
--Course Structure
--Instructional and
Learning Strategies
--Evaluation and
Assessment
E-Learning
Technology
--Synchronous
--Asynchronous
--Hypermedia
--Multimodal
--Archival
--Online Searching
Organization
--Vision and Mission
--Effective Leadership
--Collaboration
--Cost and Funding
--Market Needs
--Ownership and Intellectual property rights
Support
--Institutional
--Student
--Faculty
Figure 1.
Operational definition of building quality e-learning course and program.
Ensuring a quality e-learning environment
is essential in providing students with the
full range of benefits that e-learning
entails.
Advanced new technology has provided
educators with valuable tools to
design, develop, and teach quality e-learning
courses. Educators could use effective
technology-based applications, such as
microworlds, virtual realities, and case
studies to simulate active and quality e-
learning environments that might otherwise
be unavailable to the learner. Evolving
technology is making it even very
possible for learners at a distance to interact
fully with fellow learners in course
related activities. Participating in highquality
e-learning courses and programs,
community college and university learners
gain an ability to obtain educational
instruction under almost any circumstances.
There will be no more excuses
about the lack of time or availability of
courses or transportation.
E-learning is now occupying part of the
higher education agenda. Depending on
the individual and type of degree, course,
and program, e-learning could be
described as a “total” education option. To
achieve successful e-learning experiences
for all student participants, institutions of
higher education should ensure that the
academic needs of the learner are met and
the quality of education is guaranteed.
There is a critical need for more research
in the area of planning for quality e-learning
courses and programs at colleges and
universities. Educators must find ways to
effectively plan for and offer comprehensive
e-learning courses and programs in a
variety of subject areas for learners and
workers. Community colleges and universities
could serve more individuals and
businesses, at the location of their choosing,
with a wide range of developing e-
learning courses, programs, and projects.
Technology has given us great opportunity
to reach more potential learners and
employers than we ever have had before.
Institutions of higher education need to
harness and manage this energy successfully
and ride it into the future.
Based on current distance learning
research and personal e-learning experi-
Volume 4, Issue 4 Distance Learning 17