Online and Distance Education Commons^™

Teachers’ Perspectives In Higher Education On Using Educational Technology During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Observations For Ghana, India, And Serbia, Nikola Koruga, Rohit Nainwal, Angela Kyerewaa Ayisi-Addo

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: The purpose of this research was to understand the significant changes and challenges regarding teaching experiences during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in three universities, one each in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The study provides information on how teachers adapted to online teaching under COVID-19 conditions.

Methods: We employed a descriptive phenomenology approach and used an online survey with open-ended questions to collect the data. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis based on the traditions of descriptive phenomenology were employed to analyze the data.

Results: The teachers’ adaptive mechanisms to the COVID-19 crisis could be described through the …

Continuing Education At Purdue University, 1975–2019, Thomas Robertson, Michael Eddy

Continuing Education

Continuing Education at Purdue University, 1975–2019 is intended to provide a follow-up to the monograph written by Dr. Frank K. Burrin after his retirement as director of Purdue Continuing Education in 1984, Continuing Education at Purdue University: The First Hundred Years (1874–1974). Burrin became ill shortly after his retirement, and he was not able to complete his project. His notes were later compiled, edited, and published by Elizabeth Boyd Thompson.

This monograph presents forty-five years of the history of Continuing Education and Conferences at Purdue under the leadership of eight deans and directors.

How Has The Covid-19 Pandemic Transformed The Relevance Of The Traditional College Experience?, Zachary Schueller

Political Science Theses and Capstones

Over the past three years, the Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered students’ college experience through its location format and delivery. Research and early interviews suggest that students are now less likely to pursue a four-year traditional college experience than they were before the start of the pandemic. Instead, students are increasingly choosing to pursue other options such as not going to college or learning remotely. Even before the start of the pandemic data shows that college enrollment was already declining. While this data shows the short-term effects of Covid-19 on students there are a number of questions about the long-term …

Digital Capital And Belonging In Universities: Quantifying Social Inequalities In The Philippines, Wilfred Luis Clamor, Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu

Sociology & Anthropology Department Faculty Publications

This study examines social inequalities in Philippine universities that were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative approach using a national sample of 677 university students was utilized to measure the mediating role of digital capital on social inequalities associated with belonging to academic spaces. For the purpose of determining direct and indirect impacts, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed. Sociodemographic (i.e., gender, age, type of residence, and family income) and educational (i.e., type of university, year in the university, and excellence criterion) characteristics were the direct predictors that were examined as exogenous variables for both digital capital and belonging. …

Comparing The Experience Of Pre-Service Teachers In The First And Final Semesters In Online Learning Using A Focus Group Study, Suyatno Suyatno, Sibawaihi Sibawaihi, Wantini Wantini, Dzihan Khilmi Ayu Firdausi, Lilis Patimah

The Qualitative Report

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, online learning has become the innovation and an alternative virtual education adopted by universities, due to campus closures. The sudden adoption of the innovation without prior preparation and training causes the ineffective implementation of online learning in most institutions. Based on this description, insufficient information is available regarding the experiences of the student population, which are the most affected by online learning in higher education. Therefore, this study aims to explore the experiences of pre-service teachers regarding their numerous abilities to provide a good online learning program. Using a qualitative focus group study design, data …

Crisis Meets Opportunity: Empowering Faculty When Returning To The Higher Education Classroom​, Nicole Luongo, Michael Finetti, Kimberly Case, Jay Garrels, Renee Evans

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

This article presents information surrounding how the COVID-19 crisis can lead to opportunities for empowering growth in faculty course development and delivery. The authors show how higher education instructors have implemented remote teaching experiences they used during the pandemic to create engaging learning opportunities for students as they are returning to the higher education classroom. The article explores innovative ideas for communication and instruction, equity issues, and inclusive practices. The authors address the overall changing higher education climate and share their personal experiences transitioning from teaching in a face-to-face setting to …

On Becoming Online Educators: Developing Hybrid Learning-Centered Pedagogy, Rachel Toncelli Edd, Leila Rosa Phd

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

Recent global events pushed in-person learning to online formats. As K-12 teachers struggled with shifting from in-person to online teaching while adapting and adjusting instruction, and higher education prepared to do the same, two faculty members in a TESOL teacher preparation program joined forces to question assumptions about online teaching, reflect on praxis, and revisit pedagogy and practices through a critical autoethnographic study. Building from adult constructivist learning theory and collegial inquiry, the researchers utilized the pandemic as a stage for innovation and an opportunity to study their own ability, as …

Full Issue: Journal On Empowering Teaching Excellence, Volume 7, Issue 1, Spring 2023

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

The full-length Spring 2023 issue (Volume 7, Issue 1) of the Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version (with downloadable EPUB format) here.

The Spring 2023 issue presents research and guidance on topics related to student self-reflection, participatory learning, and returning to the in-person learning following the COVID-19 pandemic. The first article takes a critical approach to understanding pedagogy with adult learners by involving students in the creation of course syllabi as a way to challenge ideologies related the roles of instructor and students. The second article blends research and narrative to explore how the experiences of …

Navigating The Turbulence Into Calmer Waters In Higher Education Digital Learning, Amanda E. Major Edd, Pmp, Cptd, Josh Strigle, Melanie Jackson, Willie Freeman

FDLA Journal

Digital learning professionals and faculty are navigating turbulent waters in higher education’s current climate fueled by career reflections and the political landscape. All that is needed to improve the organizational climate is the inspiration to engage in meaningful digital learning work, whether enhancing course interactions, engaging students, uncovering course modality best practices, or improving access to higher education. True to our mission, we adapt, lead change, and persist.

Now What?, David L. Hart Jr, Rebecca J. Armstrong

FDLA Journal

NOW WHAT?

David Hart, Ph.D. and Rebecca Armstrong, Ph.D.

Making the decision to pursue an advanced degree is certainly commendable. To add to one’s knowledge base is ambitious and the results of such a commitment are monumental. However, it goes without saying that in that scheme, life’s challenges are ever-present, and along with other given responsibilities, the concept of time becomes a faded memory. If that is not enough, COVID-19 presented all degree-seekers with issues that seemed insurmountable. Many decided that virtual learning programs would provide an environment that allowed for success in the academic arena despite the forces that …

Continuing The Distance Learning Modality Of Graduate Studies In Post-Covid Philippines: A Survey, Jayrome Núñez, Louie Gula, Evaflor Alindan, Clinton John Colcol, Aristonie Sangco, Jairoh Taracina, Sammy Dolba, Al John Escobañez, Kevin Sumayang, Mark Anthony Jamisal, Francis Jim Tuscano

FDLA Journal

Getting a graduate education is one of the most important parts of a professional in a field. It allows them to climb higher in the professional rankings or even get higher pay for their academic work. All graduate students are adults and self-directed due to their past experiences in work or practice. However, when the pandemic hit the world, these self-directed learners were not spared from shutting of schools. In the Philippines, most graduate schools deliver their lessons through the traditional mode or face-to-face until the pandemic that they shifted in the emerging online learning modality. Using the mixed method …

Introduction To Transparency In Learning And Teaching, Mary-Ann Winkelmes

Perspectives In Learning

Introduction to Transparency in Learning and Teaching

Facing The Crises Of Higher Education: Reflections On A State University’S Experiment With Tilt, John Lejeune, Judy O. Grissett

Perspectives In Learning

Facing the Crises of Higher Education:

Reflections on a State University’s Experiment with TILT

Examining Faculty’S Transition To 100% Online Learning During A Pandemic: A Narrative Inquiry, Christa Ann Banton, Jose Garza

The Qualitative Report

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quickly emerged as an unprecedented pandemic that has impacted communities at every level. Although online teaching is not a new concept, many faculty entered new territory as they transitioned into the online learning environment at the onset of the pandemic. This qualitative, narrative inquiry sought to capture the unique experiences of on-ground faculty during the rapid transition into online learning. Through these twenty interviews, some emerging themes included the instability and usage of technology, changes in engagement and participation, and the need for additional student and faculty support. Emerging themes provide insight to future implications related …

Niveles De Competencia Digital Del Docente En Línea A Partir Del Proceso De Capacitación En Las Instituciones Universitarias En Puerto Rico, Milka W. González Colón

Theses and Dissertations

El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue evaluar el nivel de competencia digital docente que poseen los docentes que imparten cursos en línea. Al realizar la revisión de literatura se seleccionó como marco teórico el modelo de Idalberto Chiavenato relacionado con el proceso de capacitación a empleados. Para cumplir con el objetivo principal de la investigación se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa no experimental con un enfoque descriptivo. El instrumento de medición utilizado en este estudio fue un cuestionario que contaba con cinco partes relacionadas al problema de investigación principal. Por otra parte, para la muestra se utilizó un proceso aleatorio …

Digital Transformation To Advance High-Quality Development Of Higher Education, Zongkai Yang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

Digitization will bring unlimited potential and a new vision for education, and the digitization of education is a historical process and an inevitable trend of education reform. This paper first puts forward the connotation, foundation, core of education digital transformation and the typical stages of development. Then extracts a series of practices launched in China to cope with the demand in digital transformation from four aspects: platform construction, curriculum supply, teaching methods and evaluation methods. Finally, the exploration and practice carried out by three typical universities are presented where the author has served as president, namely Central China Normal University, …

An Autoethnograpy Of A Baby Boomer In Higher Education: Challenges And Catalysts For Change, Deborra Finlan

Theses & Dissertations

Higher education as a baby boomer brings mental, physical, and economic adjustments, concerns, and insecurities. Additionally, life delivers unexpected challenges and barriers which can cause hardships requiring various types of motivation. Fortunately, there are also catalysts which can contribute toward successes. Literature from four major elements were the focus in this study: motivation, adult learning, challenges, barriers, and catalysts. Theorists and theories included Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation with the added factor of cost, and Ryan and Deci’s theory on self-determination; Mezirow’s transformative learning and Knowles’s self-directed learning; Cross’s theory on educational barriers—situational, dispositional, and institutional; and Cobb’s social support …

The Empirical Research On University Instructors’ Competencies In Virtual Reality Environment From The Perspective Of Students’ Learning Experience, Jing Ma, Yue Wang, Meng Jiang

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The integration of virtual reality (VR) and education is a key way to realize the modernization of higher education. Instructors’ competencies directly affect students’ learning experiences and achievements. Based on the IBSTPI competency standards compiled by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), this study developed an instructors’ competencies scale suitable for the VR environment from the perspective of students’ learning experience and conducted an empirical research on the current situation of instructors’ competencies in VR environment. The scale categorizes of instructors’ competencies included six dimensions: establishing and maintaining learning motivation competencies, expressing competencies, questioning competencies, …

Effects Of Applying A Think-Pair-Share (Tps) Structure To Asynchronous Online Discussions (Aods) On Students’ Performances: A Mixed Methods Study, Tianxiao Yang

Dissertations - ALL

Asynchronous online discussion (AOD) has been a common instructional activity in the online learning context of higher education. However, previous studies suggested that students did not achieve the expected academic performances in AODs. This study proposed the think-pair-share (TPS) structure of cooperative learning as an instructional solution to improve students’ performances in AODs. Through integrating a TPS structure with multiple cooperative learning principles into a set of AODs, the researcher sequentially investigated three research questions: 1) if a student cohort participating in the TPS AODs would perform better than another student cohort participating in non-TPS AODs, 2) which small grouping …

Facilitating Conditions That Increase Faculty Perceived Usefulness Of Learning Management Systems: A Multiple-Case Study, Darnell S. Kemp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research study designed as a multiple-case study was to discover the facilitating conditions that led faculty at the higher education level to create activities using student-centered learning tools in the learning management systems (LMSs). The theories guiding this study were Davis’ technology acceptance model and two versions of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. Both theories looked at how perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) determine a user’s use of a technology. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology added facilitating conditions as a primary determiner of technology …

Reflections On Inclusive Teaching, Michelle Pacansky-Brock

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

The COVID-era has left a lasting impression on each of us. How are college educators applying the full complexity of these experiences to their work to make teaching and learning in all modalities more welcoming, meaningful, and fulfilling for everyone? This reflection opens a conversation about inclusive teaching and invites you to be part of it.

Educators Synchronously Using Multiple Platforms And Devices For Teaching And Learning During Covid-19 Lockdown, Nyarai Tunjera, Agnes Chigona

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

The 21st century coupled with the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic is indeed imposing new demands on teaching and learning. Higher education institutions affected extensively educational institutions are mandated with the responsibility of inclusiveness and preparing students for realities of the current and unknown future. There has been heightened attention to educational technologies to mitigate the COVID-19 instigated disruptions. To ensure inclusiveness during future pandemics, there is a need to pay attention to the forms of digital technologies that students have access to (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, as well as applications they are using) in their areas. The article reports the use …

Transactional Distance Theory And Scaffolding Removal Design For Nurturing Students’ Autonomy, Katsuaki Suzuki, Naoshi Hiraoka

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This paper prorposes eight design principles to nurture autonomy of college students, based on re-conceptualization of Michael Moore's Transactional Distance Theory (TDT). After proposed in 1970’s, TDT has been helping to concepturalize distance education in terms of psychological, not physical, distance among people involved. TDT, on the other hand, has been creating confusions and misinterpretations when utilized in the research and practices of distance education. COVID-19 has forced all educational practices to be offered as distance education, which made us realized the importance of student autonomy, when limited guidance could be offered. Utilizing the framework of TDT, this paper proposes …

Liberal Studies And Servant Leadership: Inspiring Ignatian Values At The Margins, Isabella Rega, Melodie Honen-Delmar

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

This paper aims to unpack how the concept of servant leadership is perceived from Liberal Studies graduates living at the margins of society. Anchoring this research in the work of Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), a faith-based organization providing higher education to displaced and poor communities, this paper seeks to deconstruct the assumption present in the literature of an ‘already-in-power’ servant leader by inviting looking for servant leaders in vulnerable and marginalized places, where they would be most needed. By synthesizing the voices of more than 100 graduates from the Diploma in Liberal Studies program, this research looks at how graduates …

Fostering College Students’ Fact-Checking Skills: Three Studies Assessing Lateral Reading Instruction In A General Education Course, Jessica E. Brodsky

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

While online information is abundant and easily accessible, its quality varies widely. Fact-checkers evaluate online information by reading laterally, i.e., opening a new browser tab to research sources and verify claims. This dissertation consisted of three studies that used course outcomes assessment data to examine the impact of a lateral reading curriculum on college students’ fact-checking skills. The curriculum was first implemented in Fall 2018 as part of a general education civics course. It has been taught every semester since then, though the content and format of implementation have changed. Data used in the current studies were collected during the …

Learning Technology Acceptance And Continuance Intention Among Business Students: The Mediating Effects Of Confirmation, Flow, And Engagement, Hungwei Tseng, Xiang Yi, Brent Cunningham

Research, Publications & Creative Work

The emergence of mobile applications has opened the door to a new kind of information and communication technology tool and educational support which is vital for students’ positive learning behaviours. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of three mediators (confirmation, flow, and student engagement) on students’ learning technology acceptance and information systems continuance intention, and to explore the functions of these variables in the mediating process between learning technology acceptance and continuance intention. Using PROCESS macro program where the bootstrap confidence interval was adopted, a parallel multiple mediation model and a serial multiple mediation model were …

Building Resilient Higher Education Communities: Lessons Learned From Pandemic Teaching, Christian Williams, Carmen Veloria, Debra Harkins

Pedagogy and the Human Sciences

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many educators grappling with uncertainties about the future of higher education while feeling exhausted from the stress and pressure to deliver quality education in unprecedented ways. While learning to incorporate new technology into remote, hybrid, and flipped classrooms, educators also find themselves responding to the psychosocial needs of students more than ever before. Yet the lack of established promising practices coupled with limited training and support on how to support students’ emotional well-being creates confusion and self-doubt. This conceptual article explores teacher experiences of teaching during a pandemic, missed opportunities, and highlights the need to …

Re:Thinking Virtual Faculty Learning Communities, Angela Atwell

Publications

Kickstarted with a POD Early Researcher Grant in 2016 and subsequent Research Grant in 2017, Virtual Faculty Learning Communities (V-FLC) have become a staple offering at our center. Since their inception, times and conditions have changed but the idea of reconnecting with colleagues, specifically remote colleagues remains at the heart of these V-FLC experiences. In this session, participants will explore the value and flexibility of V-FLCs by reviewing the development process, analyzing the concept of community, and scrutinizing the impact of size on a V-FLC. Participants will also leave with access to a framework for creating Virtual Faculty Learning Communities. …

Orientation Online: The Surprising Benefits Of Virtual New Faculty Orientation, Kristin Herman, Patricia Davidson

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This design case documents the reimagination of new faculty orientation for a mid-sized public university due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. This fully virtual iteration was facilitated during the summer of 2020 and is compared both to previous in-person iterations of new faculty orientation as well as a blended modality version of the orientation program offered in 2021. The redesign is explained using language from Puntedura’s (2006) Substitution- Augmentation- Modification- Redefinition (SAMR) model of technology application in distributed learning. Such terminology provided a helpful common vocabulary for a design team pressured to determine which elements of orientation needed to be …

An Exploration Of Factors Influencing Faculty Engagement With Open Practices At The School Of Education: A Pilot Study, Preeti Kamat, Jessica Kirschner, Hillary Miller, Sergio Chaparro, Jose Alcaine, Nina Exner

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Open practices in academia are emerging as affordable tools in widening research access by removing many barriers in the scholarly research and learning process. While faculty engagement with open practices is increasing, there remain some barriers to widespread participation. Though research to date suggests faculty perceptions about promotion and tenure (P&T) policies influence faculty engagement with open practices, many studies limit their focus on a few influencing factors. Answering calls for more research, this pilot study aims to explore the influence of various factors on faculty engagement with open practices, with a focus on promotion and tenure (P&T) …