From launching a student on the route to self-directed learning to using group processes, self-assessment, the life line experience, and developing a learning contract, this encyclopedia comprehensively covers all aspects of distributed learning. The overarching goal is to collect together in a single resource the best practices for adults engaged in continuing education at the graduate level, in corporate settings, in open university settings, and in similar learning environments.Topics covered include: administrative processes; technical tools and supports; policy, finance, and governance; social and cultural perspectives; student and faculty issues; and, teaching and learning processes and technologies. Key features include: A-to-Z organization; Reader’s Guide groups entries by broad topic areas; a comprehensive index; cross-references between and among entries; an advisory board of prominent experts; and, three appendices that provide annotated listings of distributed and distance learning programs, select print and non-print resources, and conferences, each with web addresses.