This document summarizes the course structure and requirements for EDDE801 - Advanced Topics and Issues in Distance Education. The course consists of 4 units covered over 15 weeks. Students must complete 3 assignments: 1) A group presentation during orientation worth 15%; 2) Two 1000-word literature reviews reduced to 300 words each, worth 20%; and 3) An individual seminar presentation and corresponding 4000-word paper worth 50% of the final grade. Important dates are provided for all assignments and units. The document also outlines topics covered in each unit and expectations for professionalism.

1. Doctor of Education in Distance Education
EDDE801 – Course structure
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Cohort 8: Courses at-a-glance
EDDE801: Advanced Topics and Issues in Distance Education
EDDE802: Advanced Research in Education
EDDE803: Teaching and Learning in Distance Education
EDDE804: Leadership and Project Management in Distance Education
EDDE805: Research Seminar I
EDDE806: Research Seminar II
Candidacy Examination
Completion and Defense of a Dissertation
Research
Prepared by RZP
Content based on Course Outline
and ‘Assignments’ file
Photo: courtesy of RZP
Athabasca University
Centre for Education Innovation and Research
EDDE801 Tutor: Professor Fahy -- May, 2015
Disclaimer: information presented
as I perceive it – please visit
course site for verification. 6/17/15

2. Structure Course Organization, Assignments, and Grading System
Orientation
Tues.May 26
Adobe Connect: Centre for Education Innovation and Research
Introduction
Assignment 1
Aug. 20
Group presentation 15%
Based on one of two topics
Assignment 2
1 wk before
last seminar
Two 1000-word literature review / reduce to 300 words 20%
Based on any literature of interest (pre-approved)
Moderate discussion
Assignment 3
on a Tuesday
Sep. - Dec.
Tuesday Seminar course topic presentation / 4000-word paper 50%
Based on any topic of interest (pre-approved) (10%)
Paper based on synchronous presentation topic (40%)
UNIT A
Aug18-Sep25
Fundamental theories, concepts, and basic research in distance
education
UNIT B
Sep29-Oct23
Distance education as a field of study and practice
UNIT C
Sep27-Nov20
Issues in distance education
UNIT D
Nov24-Dec04
Principles of practice in online education
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3. Important Dates
Important Dates:
• May 26 Introductions, course overview
• Aug. 20 15% Cohort subgroup presentation topic
• Aug-Sept 20% Two literature reviews (two 1000-wd reviews)
• Sept-Dec 50% Presentation (10%) and paper (40%)
• Aug-Dec 15% CMC contributions, attendance, participation
• Aug 18 – Sept 25 Unit A (6 weeks)
• Sept 29 – Oct 23 Unit B (4 weeks)
• Oct 27 – Nov 20 Unit C (4 weeks)
• Nov 24 – Dec 04 Unit D (2 weeks)
N.B. Seminar and CMC participation: awarded for regular attendance and effective participation in the
online synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) discussion
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4. Unit A
Fundamental theories, concepts, and
basic research in distance education
– 1. Theory in distance education
– 2. Learning theories
– 3. Taxonomy of the cognitive domain
– 4. Presence (cognitive, teaching, social, emotional)
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5. Unit B
Distance education as a field of
study and practice
– 5. Transactional distance
– 6. Research models, paradigms
– 7. Andragogy
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6. Unit C
Issues in
distance education
– 8. Industrialization of distance education
– 9. Hypernormal, temporally retarded communications
– 10. Media effectiveness debate
– 11. The no significant difference phenomenon
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7. Unit D
Principles of practice in
online education
– 12. Cohort learning; the cohort model
– 13. Interaction theory
– 14. Multimedia learning principles
– 15. Principles of good teaching
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8. Assignment 1: 15%
• A collaborative presentation at the program
Orientation session in Edmonton in August.
• Students prepare and present in assigned groups.
Topics are to be discussed, negotiated, and
prepared by group members, from the options
provided, in advance of the Orientation.
Source: EDDE 801: Advanced Topics and Issues in Distance Education
Link: http://cde.athabascau.ca/syllabi/edde801.php
N.B. Seminar and CMC participation: awarded for regular attendance and effective participation in the
online synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) discussion
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9. Assignment 2: 20% (As per Version: 28 May 2015)
Prepare two 1000-word reviews of publications (books or
published papers) from any literature (anything is
acceptable, subject to instructor review), and will submit
them to the instructor for review and marking; after
receiving instructor comments:
• reduce the length to about 300 words
• post the shortened summary in the designated Moodle
on-line forum for access and comment by other
students
• moderate and comment on postings of others on the
on-line Moodle site.
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10. Assignment 3: 50% (As per Version: 28 May 2015)
1) prepare and present on one pre-approved topic (see
Seminar Schedule, posted on the website), at a
scheduled course Tuesday seminar session
(synchronous seminar presentation date to be
determined in consultation with the instructor) –
choose a good title / book the date (10%)
2) produce a paper individually on the same topic as
the presentation, for submission to the instructor for
review and marking Sep.- Dec. / by course-end (40%)
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11. Professionalism
• Collegial
• Socially, emotionally intelligent
• Coherent, articulate writer
• Self-regulated
• Mature, interested, engaging
• Active participant
• Diligent, prepared
• Interested in presenting at conferences
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Personal notes from orientation: Professor M. Cleveland-Innes (Adobe Connect May 26)
Photo: courtesy of ClipArt