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Distance education research: a review of the literature

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Abstract

Distance education is defined, the various approaches for effective research are summarized, and the results of major research reviews of the field are explained in this article. Additionally, two major areas of research are included—research on barriers to the adoption of distance education and research summaries that explain and support best practices in the field. This paper concludes with the summary statement that it is not different education, it is distance education; what is known about effectiveness in education is most often also applicable to distance education.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Nova Southeastern University, 1750 NE 167th Street, North Miami Beach, FL, 33162, USA

    Michael Simonson, Charles Schlosser & Anymir Orellana

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  1. Michael Simonson
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  2. Charles Schlosser
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  3. Anymir Orellana
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Correspondence to Michael Simonson.

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Simonson, M., Schlosser, C. & Orellana, A. Distance education research: a review of the literature. J Comput High Educ 23, 124–142 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-011-9045-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-011-9045-8

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