Online Education

“No one articulates the history, the fundamentals and the potential of online education quite like Tony Picciano. His unique perspective allows him to document the past, present, and future of online education with a longitudinal lens. In 2004, Picciano predicted that teaching with the use of technology would be the norm in institutions of higher education. He envisioned the modality of online learning as a continuum of educational opportunities - a landscape which would be driven by both pedagogy and student preference. In this book, Picciano walks us along the path that his vision foretold.”

—Mary Niemiec, Past President of the Online Learning Consortium

“Anthony Picciano brings his unique qualifications to this history and evolution of online learning. He had an active role in much of its development, giving him considerable perspective on the factors that have impacted its evolution. More importantly, however, his keen observation and analytic skills allow him to clearly organize the information and provide a nuanced presentation that well serves both newcomers and seasoned veterans of the online learning field. His work consistently demonstrates an ability to see and understand the big picture and convey it clearly and succinctly.”

—Jeff Seaman, Director of Bay View Analytics

“Dr. Picciano is a legend in the online learning community and a colleague who I have held in the highest regard for more than two decades. He provides a critically important book that captures a thoughtful reflection on where we have been and then attends to important questions related to approaches that are appropriate in our field. This foundation enables this pioneer to offer his insight and valuable predictions about the future. Recognizing that online learning can impact virtually all instruction, this is an essential resource for any educator.”

—Eric E. Fredericksen, Associate Vice President for Online Learning and Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Rochester, USA

“Anthony Picciano is one of our great and long-standing contributors to teaching, learning and research in online education. In this book, he takes us on an entire journey through the online learning landscape -- past, present and future. He navigates the landscape of the past and present foundations, frameworks, definitions, research, planning models, design of instruction, and support structures. The journey extends into the future, exploring how technological change is ever-changing the nature and conduct of teaching and learning and communication in online environments. The book builds on purposeful history, compelling research, and informative practice to provide deep understanding of where online education has been and where it is going. This book is a fine resource for the field, one that stakeholders in online education and in higher education will find useful for a long time to come.

—Laurie P. Dringus, Professor in the College of Computing and Engineering at Nova Southeastern University, USA

“If I were trying to understand the past, present and future landscape of online learning this book would be the overwhelming choice. The range of topics, contexts and precise language make this a tour de force for locating the epicenters of educational transformation. Tony Picciano was there from the beginning and has nurtured our understanding of online learning for decades so this work never deviates from its purpose or avoids complex issues. This book is a bold and comprehensive portrait that frames and resets how we understand then, now and what lies ahead. A must read for experts as well as novices.”

—Charles Dziuban, Director of the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Central Florida, USA

"Picciano's comprehensive new book provides essential insights for 21st century students, faculty, and administrators. This volume will be invaluable to those seeking to understand the unique historical, theoretical, pedagogical, and technological dimensions of online education. Highly recommended."

—Peter Shea, Professor of Educational Theory and Practice and Informatics in the School of Education and College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany, State University of New York, USA

“With over five decades of experience in instructional technology, Tony Picciano has been a leading teacher, practitioner, researcher, and administrator in the field. This book offers insights from these varied roles, reflecting on the historical evolution of technology and its impact on education as well as thoughtfully considering the future. Tony’s wealth of experience provides a unique perspective on online learning. I can think of no better author for this book!”

—Patsy D. Moskal, Director of the Digital Learning Impact Evaluation at the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Central Florida, USA