Prolegomena to a discourse

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide discursive background to a consideration of higher education's approach to online learning and set out the terms of engagement represented by the articles in this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is in the form of a narrative surveying the state of the discourse on online learning and providing a brief introduction to each of the articles.

Findings

The paper finds that history of online education has been compressed into a brief period, but it has already undergone several phases: from initial euphoria over the possibilities for expanded enrollments to a realization that online learning posed a new set of knotty pedagogical and institutional issues, to a current maturing phase. In this latter phase there is a pressing need for a public dialog that addresses the institutional challenges inherent in online education, and that provides examples of successful experiences and even specific guidelines for any institution or program involved with – or considering initiation of – an online program. This special issue of On the Horizon is intended as a contribution to this dialog.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a framework for in‐depth consideration of the issues addressed in this issue of On the Horizon.

Citation

Kunstler, B. (2007), "Prolegomena to a discourse", On the Horizon, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 127-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120710825004