FINAL THOUGHTS
Our manual is intended to help educators with developing distance education courses by considering best practices. These should
help with designing and creating courses that provide meaningful instruction for all students. Research shows that distance
education is as effective as the more traditional classroom; both learning environments must provide equal quality instruction. This
manual supports the available research and the evidence that is presented supports the strategies and ideas of implementing content,
technology, assessment, communication, instructional design and delivery. Also included are considerations for diversity, culture,
courtesy, copyright and fair use, plagiarism, flexibility, and rigor.
"Best practices are necessary to maintain standards in any industry. Distance education is no exception."
(University of Phoenix, 2002)