The e-Learning Value Chain.

(Was "Re-Post from elearnspace.")

First high-level look: 484 pages, organized around Michael Porter's value chain model. I like this already. Porter has become sort of passe' in some circles, but you can bet that most top business leaders will be very familiar with the concept (especially in technology companies). Personally, I believe this approach opens up a lot of possibilities for discussions on the strategic value of e-Learning, on valid approaches to evaluation and ROI, and to design. Quick scan of the chapters shows careful thought went into planning the book, possibly putting it into the "classic" category. Haven't read deeply yet, so don't hold me to that.

elearnspace provides a link to a 1.82M pdf from Athabasca University. Published under Creative Commons license, so it's "free." -- BB

Theory and Practice of Online Learning.

There is still much debate about the financial viability of releasing content under open source models. Opponents feel that it reduces the viability of an author/researcher to make a living from published work. Those in favour, argue that the author(s) will earn revenue from people who purchased the published work after reviewing the material (and of course, the increase in exposure by providing freely viewable/shareable material).

Here's an important experiment in the value of open source content (a quick skim of the book reveals a high-quality, well-researched resource): Theory and Practice of Online Learning"...is concerned with assisting providers of online education with useful tools to carry out the teaching and learning transactions online. It presents, in an easily readable form, the theory, administration, tools, and methods of designing and delivering learning online."

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