Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is very much a product of years of both frustration and enjoyment, filled with growing pains and success stories. It explores all aspects of online learning. Online learning is like a desert. Online learning is like a desert because there are pockets of leadership efforts speckled throughout the landscape, being well-organized, highly managed, and successful programs. These programs are often run by thought leaders and/or collaborative leadership groups that have built a marvelous oasis among the wastelands. There are online learning efforts that are so rigid and inflexible that they lack the ability to evolve and innovate. Anyone from the individual teacher to the institution as a whole or an organization will be able to improve their offerings and services or to take the first big step to going online.