Online and Distance Education Commons^™

Online And Face-To-Face Classes: A Comparative Analysis Of Teaching Presence And Instructor Satisfaction, David T. Bentz

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Teaching presence is one of three components of the Community of Inquiry Model proposed by Garrison, Anderson, and Archer (2000). This study examined teaching presence, as measured by the instructional design and organization, and directed facilitation (Shea, Li, Swan, and Pickett, 2005), in a large undergraduate science course, contrasting two modes of lecture delivery, face-to-face and online video. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the teaching presence instrument, producing factor loadings similar to Shea et al.'s for both online and face-to-face delivery. Analysis of the relationship between instructor satisfaction and teaching presence (instructional design and organization, and directed facilitation) produced a significant …

Trials And Triumphs: Piloting A Web Conference System To Deliver Blended Learning Across Multiple Sites, Marty Laubach, Laura J. Little

Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Research

Barriers to classroom-based education such as high gas prices, inclement weather, and job and family requirements often make travel to campus more difficult for people who want to continue their educations (Fletcher, 2008). The promise of synchronous tools such as Wimba LiveClassroom can provide a cost-effective alternative to a real-time classroom experience by allowing students to attend a class wherever they are, thus allowing a classroom experience despite geographic barriers. Indeed, other reports have also indicated that hybrid learning can result in increased student outcomes when compared to traditional classroom learning (Brunner, 2006; McFarlin, 2008). To attempt to overcome these …

Financial Aid Available For Undergraduate Distance Degrees, Keri Suarez

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Implementing An Enterprise Information System To Reengineer And Streamline Administrative Processes In A Distance Learning Unit, M'Hammed Abdous, Wu He

Distance Learning Faculty & Staff Publications

During the past three years, we have developed and implemented an enterprise information system (EIS) to reengineer and facilitate the administrative process for preparing and teaching distance learning courses in a midsized-to-large university (with 23,000 students). The outcome of the implementation has been a streamlined and efficient process which has delivered higher faculty satisfaction at a substantial cost reduction. In this paper, we propose a new conceptual and operational framework for process reengineering (PR) in higher education institutions. We also share our practical experience gained while designing, developing, and integrating three subsystems into an EIS. We hope that our experience, …

Scoping Study To Investigate Online Learning Environments To Facilitate Evidence Sharing By Literacy And Numeracy Practitioners (Lnet Project), Michele Lonsdale, Alana Deery, Gerry K. White, Carol Skyring

Digital learning research

The purpose of the scoping study was to identify effective online interfaces or learning environments that provide education stakeholders with opportunities to share examples of good practice, ideas and quality resources. A review of the literature was undertaken and consultations carried out with a wide range of education stakeholders via focus groups, telephone interviews, videoconference and online survey. Those consulted included ICT experts, representatives of professional education associations, teachers, and personnel from state and territory Independent, Catholic and government jurisdictions. The main obstacles to usage continue to be lack of time and lack of confidence among teachers. School leadership that …

Considerations Of Distance Education Integration: A Qualitative Study, Jennifer L. Styron, Shuyan Wang, Ronald A. Styron Jr.

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

As higher education institutions determine whether or not to initiate or expand distance education offerings, there are many considerations and levels of decision making that need to be measured. This study investigated the role of key administrators at the departmental chair and dean levels in expanding distance education offerings. Findings of this study included faculty and student considerations, resources and external support, and integration costs of distance education offerings as major considerations within distance education decision making. Furthermore, the need for realistic timelines, planning for the associated costs of distance education offerings, and current tenure and promotion policies are discussed. …

Efficacy Of Interaction Among College Students In A Web-Based Environment, Ching-Wen Chang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

In order to investigate the efficacy of interaction among college students in a Web-based learning environment, three interactive tools (discussion board, e-mail, and online chat) were evaluated regarding the level of interaction and tool preference among a diverse group of college students in terms of age, gender, and online learning experience. A survey instrument was developed and used to assess and encourage interactive qualities in distance courses. A four-factor split-plot ANOVA was applied to analyze the data. The survey’s questions were repeated across each of the three tools in order to determine interaction efficacy levels in a Web-based environment. Discussion …

Exploring Dynamics Between Instructional Designers And Higher Education Faculty: An Ethnographic Case Study, Cheng-Chang (Sam) Pan, Kelvin Thompson

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study concentrated on individual and team traits of an instructional design team in the presence of a robust relationship between the team members and faculty at a southeast state university in U.S.A. Three exploratory themes emerged from the interpersonal dynamics observed in this qualitative inquiry: (1) expertise, (2) work motivation, and (3) team culture. Preliminary results first suggested that professionalism with a mix of task mental models, assertiveness, and proactivity be implanted in the instructional designers. Then, instructional designers’ growth and survival needs allow for active learning and continuous reflection on curriculum development and instruction delivery in the e-Learning …

Extending Teacher Professional Development Through An Online Learning Community: A Case Study, Wei Liu, Ronald L. Carr, Johannes Strobel

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE) at Purdue University in the U.S. was established in 2006 to integrate engineering and engineering thinking into the Pre-Kindergarten-12th grade education. The institute provides elementary teachers with pioneering professional development in engineering education through a week-long face-to-face Summer Academy and an online professional development program. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of the P-6 engineering education teacher professional development, and meanwhile, present a set of design principles to extend teacher professional development through an online learning community.

Integrating Second Life Into An Efl Program: Students’ Perspectives, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Hongbo Song, Fangli Xia, Qiaoqiao Yan

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Second Life (SL) is a three dimension virtual world imagined and created by its users. To explore various facets of language learning within SL, faculty members of an American university and a Chinese university took an evaluation research approach to search for appropriate ways to integrate SL into an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) program. This paper reports a part of the research efforts with a focus on the Chinese students’ perspectives of an EFL Program in SL. Specifically included in this paper are (a) the Chinese students’ perceived technology readiness to use SL for EFL learning, (b) their …

Effectiveness Of Professional Development In Teaching Mathematics And Technology Applications, Taralynn Hartsell, Sherry Herron, Houbin Fang, Avinash Rathod

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This study investigated whether a four-week professional development workshop for math teachers helped improve their ability to integrate technology into instruction and teach math concepts. Instruments for data collection included four different types of surveys that asked questions concerning their technology skills and confidence in teaching various math topics. Results of the study revealed that the professional development workshop did improve their technology skills in using graphing calculators and different software programs, as well as increasing their overall confidence in teaching different math topics such as fractions, percentages, real numbers, etc.

A New Model Of Productive Online Discussion And Its Implications For Research And Instruction, Fei Gao, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Yanling Sun

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

We develop a new model of productive online discussion based on a brief review of research literature on online discussion. As compared to previous discussion models, the new model provides a more systematic and comprehensive framework to understand how learning occurs through online discussion. Based on the new model, we propose several directions for research on improving the quality of online discussion and learning.

The Development Of A Sms-Based Teaching And Learning System, Simon So

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The short message service (SMS) technology is one of the most stable mobile technologies around. Most of our tertiary students carry mobile phones with SMS facilities and can be used for teaching and learning. There are many projects of using SMS technologies in education as outlined in the literature review, but many publications do not provide the possible underlying technologies to implement such the teaching and learning systems. In this paper, the development of a SMS-based teaching and learning system is presented. The underlying technology of using GSM modems to build the SMS-based teaching and learning system is revealed. The …

Student Perceptions Of An Effective Learning Environment Across The Dimensions Of Synchronous, Asynchronous, And Face-To-Face Instruction, Jarrett Landor-Ngemi

Dissertations

Prior to the implementation of computer technology in the classroom, the traditional classroom dynamic consisted of a chalkboard, a lectern, a teacher handout, and the occasional group assignments. However, as technology continues to evolve, so has the restructuring of the educational system (Woods & Baker, 2004). This evolution, which began as correspondence courses by mail, has resulted in a Web-based learning community characterized by its rich learner-centered environment where both student and instructor collaborate and engage in constructivist practices (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004).

This study sought to expand the existing body of knowledge on distance learning and employed quantitative techniques …

E‑Learning Success Model: An Information Systems Perspective, Anita Lee-Post

Marketing & Supply Chain Faculty Publications

This paper reports the observations made and experience gained from developing and delivering an online quantitative methods course for Business undergraduates. Inspired by issues and challenges experienced in developing the online course, a model is advanced to address the question of how to guide the design, development, and delivery of successful e‑learning initiatives based on theories of a user‑centered information systems development paradigm. The benefits of using the proposed model for e‑learning success assessment is demonstrated through four cycles of action research after two action research cycles of pilot study. Findings from our empirical study confirm the value of an …

Distance Education Policy : A Study Of The Sreb Faculty Support Policy Construct At Four Virtual College And University Consortia., Kathleen A. Mackenzie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study has a three pronged purpose: one, describe how the faculty support policy construct developed by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) exists at four Virtual Colleges and Universities Consortia (VCU). Two, describe how VCUs degree of centralization and emphasis on business practices influences the faculty support policy construct of their respective sampled institutions. Three, search for patterns in policy characteristics across the same four VCUs accounting for their degree of centralization and emphasis on business practices. The study is among the first in-depth qualitative studies to apply SREB's faculty support policy construct to representative VCUs of the …

Online Learning Success: Underlying Constructs Affecting Student Attrition, Sandra Porta-Merida

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

With the advent of the Internet, distance education has achieved a new meaning. Online delivery has become one of the most convenient ways to impart knowledge and education, and it has opened new educational possibilities for some who prefer this method of learning, rather than the traditional classroom setting.

The purpose of this critical analysis of theoretical and empirical literature is to explore the relationships among, online student progress, student characteristics of successful online completers, and to identify areas of future scholarly inquiry. The review examines how social and academic integration are predictors of course performance and course persistence in …

Novanet Online Curricula And The Course Completion Of Alternative High School Students, Margaret Elizabeth Munger

Dissertations

Studies on alternative schools have previously been qualitative in nature and provided information on the characteristics of a quality alternative school. Quantitative research in the area of alternative education has been limited. Previous research involving NovaNET Online Curriculum has centered on credit recovery, remediation and a small amount has been conducted on student use of the system. Currently, many alternative schools are using NovaNET or other online curricula to assist students move towards graduation without the possibility of losing credit due to poor attendance. The system is being marketed as a means for students to earn additional credits and progress …

Student Characteristics, On-Line Course Characteristics, Cross-Cultural Adaptability, Classroom Community, And On-Line Course Performance, Cheryl Mcdowell

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

On-line higher education courses continue to receive growing interest among students, and colleges and universities throughout the country strive to ensure that quality education is provided in an on-line environment. Characteristics of the student and of the course, the student's ability to interact cross-culturally, and the impact of class community on course performance are all critical components that need further investigation. Continuing the development and implementation of on-line higher education courses can provide students with more successful on-line higher educational experiences.

Structural and process variables attribute to the makeup of on-line courses and components involved in their delivery. A discussion …

Editorial Board

Perspectives In Learning

This is a listing of the members of the Editorial Board.

The Role Of Emotions In The Classroom, Miracle Underwood

Perspectives In Learning

Emotions play a large role in the classroom. However, teachers often do not consider the important role that emotions play. Student behavior is regulated by emotions. To perform effectively, students need a classroom that is safe. They need to feel free to be themselves and take risks. Students need to have a relationship with their teacher that is based on the foundation of respect and expectation. By coupling academics and emotions as the focus of a classroom, teachers will see a great improvement in both achievement and behavior.

You Are What You Eat: Healthy Practice For Young Children, Vikki K. Collins, Sallie A. Miller, H Marguerite Yates

Perspectives In Learning

All young children can benefit from proper nutrition and physical activity. Because children spend so much time in schools, teachers can play important roles in educating children about nutrition, dietary behavior, and physical activity to foster their optimal growth and health. Eating healthy, nourishing food fosters physical growth, enhances emotional stability, and improves school performance. By planning and implementing developmentally appropriate integrated lessons, teachers can help promote healthy practice for young children.

Understanding And Encouraging Student Diversity: Involving The Community, Rochelle Ripple, José A. Villavicencio

Perspectives In Learning

The Committee on Diversity in the Collegeof Educationof ColumbusStateUniversityhas been involved in several programs since 2004 to increase the diversity in the college, both with students and faculty/staff. This has been accomplished by involving the community in and around Columbus, Georgia. This article addresses the committee’s work to adapt several strategies to develop a three-pronged approach: (1) acceptance of diversity within our ranks, (2) partnering with One Columbus, a community organization to promote diversity, racial harmony, and unity in Columbus, and (3) participation with CHISPA, a Hispanic organization intended to recruit and retain Hispanic students at CSU and to build …

Support Network Involvement, Rebekah Byrd

Perspectives In Learning

Support can be derived from a variety of relationships as a way to encourage clients in therapy. It is capable of providing significant furtherance in a client’s search of becoming empowered to make autonomous decisions during therapy and after therapy is terminated. This article examines various support networks in current literary research including family, friend, and religious/spiritual/community involvement. The studies presented examine the amounts these support networks were involved with the client during and after treatment in an attempt to determine a positive effect. Research suggests that support network involvement is associated with positive outcomes for the client.

Book Review, Rochelle P. Ripple

Perspectives In Learning

Bruce, M.H., & Miller, H.B. (2007). Straight talk to beginning teachers: An instant mentor in print for secondary teachers. Willow Grove, PA: Journey Publications.

About This Issue, Jan Burcham

Perspectives In Learning

This is a summary of the contents of this issue.

Online Counseling And Its Effectiveness, Leigh C. Sullivan

Perspectives In Learning

In this overview of recent research, the usage of online counseling is investigated. A variety of researchers sought to find the effectiveness of online counseling, to determine the clients most likely to utilize online counseling, and to investigate the ethical implications of the practice. Conclusive evidence illustrates that the predominant advantages of online counseling consist of the anonymity offered, the convenience of the practice, and the ability to reach clients who traditionally could not or would not attend a traditional therapy session. However, alarming disadvantages to online counseling include a poorly established therapeutic relationship, delivery of services by unqualified practitioners, …

Table Of Contents

Perspectives In Learning

This is the table of contents.

Effective Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports: The Key To Dramatic Changes In Student Behavior, Evelyn Blalock, Greg Blalock

Perspectives In Learning

As education professionals continue to focus on the critical issue of behavior management, a number of schools are turning toward the use of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). As over a decade of research indicates, SWPBIS provides an effective, evidence-based approach to behavior management utilizing universal screening and the teaching of prosocial behavior across the campus. Reliance on data-based decision making has resulted in dramatic gains in positive student behavior for many schools utilizing a SWPBS program. As explained here, implementation of such a program requires specific but flexible steps that lead to the establishment of a SWPBS …

Multicultural Counseling Issues: Practicing Outside Boundaries Of Competence, Patricia G. Hays

Perspectives In Learning

This article examines issues of practicing outside boundaries of competency with regards to multicultural counseling. Using current research from the fields of counseling and psychology, the significance to the field of counseling, attributes of a multicultural counselor, and training necessary for competent multicultural counseling are addressed. Briefly outlined are the three dimensions of counseling competencies needed to be a culturally skilled counselor as well as consideration of the problems in the field of counselor education. This article concludes with a summary of researchers’ suggestions on how to ensure counseling students acquire the appropriate training in developing multicultural competencies to practice …