Online and Distance Education Commons^™

Perceptions Of Partnership: How Instructional Designers And Faculty Collaborate To Design Online Courses In Higher Education, Robin Zahrndt

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This ethnographic study examines the collaboration between faculty members and instructional designers during the development of online courses at a large, research-intensive university. As institutions expand their digital learning initiatives, effective partnerships between faculty and instructional designers have become increasingly important; however, they are often constrained by hierarchical norms, disciplinary differences, and time pressures. Using a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare settings, this study analyzed recorded meetings and post-participation interviews to examine how collaboration unfolded and how participants perceived its influence on course quality. Findings indicate that faculty maintained clear ownership of instructional decisions, often viewing designers as supportive …

Designing For Neurodiversity In Web Spaces, Kelly Getz, Kimberly Shotick

Faculty Books & Book Chapters

In this chapter, we share how we carried out library website usability studies with neurodivergent students. The research is situated within the Social Model of Disability and places value on students' experiences challenges. Through usability studies and inclusive web service redesign plans, we center the opinions and expectations of neurodivergent student users in ways neurotypical users have been centered and designed around in the past. The chapter will share methods and best practices for conducting usability studies with neurodivergent individuals as well as findings from our own study.

The Relationships Between Learner Socio-Demographic Factors, Self-Efficacy, Culture, And Student Engagement In The Online Learning Environment, Nikki L. Lagrone

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The continuing need to understand and evaluate student engagement, specifically in the online learning environment, is critical for researchers and instructional designers. To design online learning for optimal learning outcomes, researchers must account for the individual cultural and cognitive characteristics of the learner. By examining cultural attributes of the learner, instructional designers will be able to design online instruction as a more inclusive learning environment. This quantitative, explanatory correlational research study aimed to investigate the relationship between learner cultural attributes and online student engagement. Additionally, how learner socio-demographic factors and online learning self-efficacy are related to online student engagement were …

Experiencing The Shift: How Experiential Blended Learning Professional Development Enhances Teacher Self-Efficacy, Shannon N. Tabaldo, Ashley L. Ireland

Journal of Catholic Education

This qualitative study examines how participation in a multi-year, experiential professional development program—the Academy of Blended Learning (ABL)—shaped teachers’ perceived self-efficacy in implementing blended learning. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, Bruner’s constructivism, and Knowles’ adult learning principles, the study drew on semi-structured interviews and instructional artifacts from eight teachers in Catholic schools serving historically marginalized communities in California. Findings suggest that ABL participation was associated with increased instructional confidence, a stronger sense of professional purpose, and greater enthusiasm for student-centered, technology-enhanced learning. Teachers attributed these shifts to ABL’s design, which emphasized active participation, collaborative inquiry, differentiated instruction, and development of …

Personalized Physics Learning Through Ai: Insights From Problem Generation, Chatbot Dialogues, And Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Atharva Dange

Physics Dissertations - Archive

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform science education, yet questions remain on how best to integrate these technologies into teaching and learning. This dissertation investigates the use of AI-driven tools in university physics courses through three complementary studies. In the first study, a generative language model (ChatGPT) was used to create novel physics homework problems aligned with course objectives. Analysis showed that, after expert vetting, AI-generated questions can foster higher-order problem-solving and reduce student reliance on solution memorization, though careful instructor oversight is required to ensure accuracy. The second study embedded an AI chatbot as a learning aid in …

Understanding Shifts In Student Satisfaction Between Peak And Post Pandemic, Brian Verkamp

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates student satisfaction in online learning environments at the University of North Florida (UNF), with a focus on how satisfaction levels have fluctuated between the peak-pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Utilizing a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, the research examines the relative importance and satisfaction ratings of various educational factors, including demographic influences such as gender, race, and academic program. By creating a composite measure of overall student satisfaction, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that most significantly impact student experiences in online courses. Findings highlight the critical role of both satisfaction and importance …

Strategies For Success: Developing The Hero Within To Increase Persistence Of Community College Students Returning From Academic Dismissal, Angela Cavazos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students are enrolling in college at a higher rate than ever before, yet retention rates continue to be problematic for higher education institutions across the United States. Many students fail to persist beyond their first year and are often forced out due to academic difficulties. Students who return from academic dismissal are likely to be dismissed again. This quasi-experimental quantitative action research study aimed to evaluate the impact that a student success intervention course designed through an asset-based positive self-leadership framework and focused on the development of psychological capital constructs of hope, efficacy, resilience, and self-efficacy (HERO) had on the …

Relaciones De Las Competencias Docentes Con El Bienestar En Docentes De Ciencias Empresariales Bajo La Modalidad A Distancia En Una Universidad Privada En Colombia, Camilo Ernesto Aguirre Martínez

Theses and Dissertations

El propósito de esta investigación consistió en determinar las relaciones de las competencias docentes con el bienestar en docentes de Ciencias Empresariales bajo la modalidad a distancia en una Universidad privada de Colombia. El estudio buscó identificar las relaciones entre las competencias docentes y el bienestar psicológico, el bienestar subjetivo y el bienestar social, cuáles de esas relaciones predominan, así como la identificación de cuáles elementos de estos tipos de bienestar contribuyen con el desarrollo de las competencias docentes.

El enfoque de la investigación fue el empírico analítico o cuantitativo, el diseño fue no experimental y su alcance fue de …

Setting The Stage For Success: Readiness And Connectedness As Antecedents Of Learning Continuance Intention In Online Learning, Yingqi Tang, Hungwei Tseng, Yu-Chun Kuo, Hsin-Te Yeh, Jianfang Liu

Research, Publications & Creative Work

Through a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, this study investigated how dimensions of online learning readiness and online connectedness influence students’ intentions to continue to take online courses. Data from 369 students who took at least one online course at a four-year public university showed that online learning readiness had a stronger relationship with continuance intention than online student connectedness, while online learning readiness had a significant correlation with online student connectedness. Online learning readiness and connectedness were indicators of online learning persistence. Factors such as age, computer/internet self-efficacy, self-directed learning, learner control, and facilitation influence students' intention to continue with …

Remote Learning During Covid-19: A Qualitative Exploration Of Parental Experiences In A Time Of Educational Disruption, Kendra N. Alston

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated how parents experienced remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular attention to how they managed educational challenges within the home. Using focus group interviews, the research explored the contextual factors that shaped parental engagement in their children’s virtual learning environments. The study was informed by the interpretive lenses of intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989), experiential learning (Kolb, 1984), and critical pedagogy (Hooks, 1994), which guided the analysis but were not treated as data sources. The findings reflect firsthand narratives rather than theoretical assumptions, ensuring that conclusions remain grounded in participants’ lived realities. Key themes that emerged from …

Examining Non-Traditional Online Learners' Ownership Of Learning In The Context Of Chatgpt-Facilitated Design, Mohan Yang, Tian Luo, Kristin Herman, Belle Li, Shanan Chappell Moots, Noah Glaser, Shiyan Jiang

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) offers potential solutions to educational challenges by personalizing learning experiences for diverse learners. However, it also introduces complexities around issues of ownership of learning. As an indicator of empowered learning, ownership is a multifaceted but underexplored concept. In this study, the authors adopted a mixed-methods multiple-case study design to explore non-traditional online students’ perceived ownership of learning when using ChatGPT for instructional design. The authors adopted the psychology ownership construct consisting of self-efficacy, accountability, belongingness, and self-identity as the theoretical framework. Findings revealed students’ prior AI experiences and educational levels played a significant role in their …

Designing A Tpack-Based Mobile Learning Model For Biology Education Using Nominal Group Techniques, Cik Jamaliah Abd Manaf, Shakinaz Desa, Muhammad Ikhwan Mat Saad, Helen Crompton

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Mobile learning (m-learning) enhances STEM education, particularly in biology, by supporting visualization and interaction. However, a structured framework integrating technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) is essential. This study designs a TPACK-based mobile learning model for biology using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). A workshop with 10 experts identified seven key components and 67 elements, with nine elements rejected due to low consensus. The validated framework will guide model development using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) to enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and digital citizenship, ultimately fostering effective mobile learning environments for biology education.

Assessing The Impact Of Substituting Interaction Types: An Empirical Study Of The Interaction Equivalency Theory, Scott Hauert, Tian Luo, Cherng-Jyh Yen

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Studies on learner–learner and learner–instructor interaction provide insight into the preferences and perceived effects of interaction types. However, evidence of the impact on measured performance resulting from substituting learner–content interaction for learner–learner interaction is sparse. Using an experimental design, this study examined the impact of substituting interaction types on perception of workload, perception of learning, and measured performance in an online, asynchronous, undergraduate-level setting of formal distance education. The results of this study showed (a) learner–learner interactions were perceived to be significantly more work than learner–content interactions, (b) learner–content interactions were perceived to be significantly more helpful in learning the …

Clinical Pharmacology And Medication Safety: A Remote Learning Elective Designed For Senior Medical Students, Elizabeth B. Graham, William T. Wightkin, Curt R. Bay, Uzoma S. Ikonne

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

In the United States, medical educators have expressed concern that an integrated and condensed pre-clerkship curriculum risks leaving gaps in student pharmacology knowledge. This study evaluates a remote-learning clinical pharmacology elective that integrates fundamental pharmacology concepts and principles of medication safety and explores how the course impacts senior medical students' self-reported readiness for residency. Clinical Pharmacology and Medication Safety is a remote elective course for senior medical students. The course integrates a review of basic pharmacology with clinical pharmacology topics through case-based learning sessions led by clinical pharmacists and physicians. To evaluate the elective's effectiveness, students in the fall and …

Examining Our Practice: Engaging In A Faculty Learning Community To Enhance An Online Graduate Program, Regina Rahimi, Lina B. Soares, Hui Jin

Georgia Educational Researcher

This research report details a faculty learning community (FLC) developed by three faculty teaching in a graduate program in a mid-size southern university. The purpose of the research was to engage in the study of best practices for online graduate courses by engaging in collaborative discussions on common texts related to improving the teaching and learning experience. Specifically, the faculty engaged in common readings on “small teaching practices” and reflected on the knowledge gleaned and how it related to current online teaching practices (Darby & Lang, 2019; Lang, 2016). The study further explored how an FLC helped higher education instructors …

The Equitability Of Virtual Public High School Education In Urban School District, Carissa Jury

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Virtual education has become an integral component of modern high school education, particularly in urban districts where diverse student populations require flexible and equitable learning environments. This qualitative study explores the equitability of virtual public high school education in an urban school district, focusing on accessibility, student experiences, and policy implications. Using social constructivism and ecological systems' theory as theoretical frameworks, this research investigates factors influencing equitable outcomes, including access to technology, teacher and community support, and socioeconomic status. Data was collected through structured interviews and focus groups with students and parents engaged in virtual education. Key findings indicate that …

Understanding The Experiences Of Online Learners In Postsecondary Education: A Phenomenological Study, Tara Woyton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online education has expanded access to postsecondary education learning opportunities, yet attrition rates remain disproportionately high compared to traditional, in-person education. This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of seven students who did not persist in their online education at a postsecondary institution, with the goal of identifying barriers to retention and potential strategies for improvement. The study applies Expectancy-Value Theory as a theoretical framework, examining how students’ expectancy beliefs, perceived task value, and perceived costs influenced their motivation and lack of persistence in online learning environments. Using qualitative data collection methods, including questionnaires and in-depth interviews, this study …

Perceptions Of Implementation From Higher Education Participants In Online Course Design Professional Development, Scott B. Thesen

All Capstone Projects

Many higher education instructors treat online teaching as a modern form of correspondence, believing students learn on their own when content is placed in a learning management system, but learning also takes place through other forms of interaction beyond solely with content. To show best practices for the online modality, instructors at a Midwest regional mid-sized higher education institution participated in professional development using the Improving Your Online Course (IYOC) workshop from Quality Matters™ (QM), a globally recognized authority in best practices for online course design. Level 3 of Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation was used to evaluate the …

Accessing Online And Remote Learning Platforms In Kenyan Remote Areas During Covid-19 Pandemic, Florence Deya, Jane Rarieya

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Online learning has taken root and with the advancement in technology more and more educators are embracing online learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with total shut down of face-to-face learning, the Kenyan government had moved learning online and remotely. To find out on how learners in remote areas were experiencing learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study was carried out using rapid ethnography design. Five final year secondary students were sampled. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. This paper reports on the findings of online and remote learning platforms, which were available, accessed, and preferred by the …

Technology-Enhanced Professional Development For Early Literacy: A Comparative Study Of Online Teacher Learning Models In Kenya, Constanza Uribe-Banda

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Growing recognition of early literacy as essential for lifelong learning, along with evidence that teachers’ mastery of foundational literacy instruction influences student outcomes (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017; UNESCO, 2020), has led to increased investment in teacher professional development. Despite these efforts, many educators face significant challenges in accessing high-quality training, particularly in resource-constrained settings where geographical barriers and limited institutional support persist. This is especially true in rural Kenyan communities, where teachers often work in under-resourced schools with unreliable electricity and internet connectivity yet bear responsibility for laying critical literacy foundations. The present study examines the potential to deliver effective …

Transforming Online Courses: Practical Strategies For Educators, Jacqueline A. Gilbert, Kelly G. Manix, Kristie A. Abston

Journal of Excellence in College Teaching and Learning

In this article, we examine strategies for enhancing student engagement in online higher education courses through targeted course restructuring. Given the increased demand for high-quality online learning, it is essential for institutions to adopt a proactive, student-focused approach to course design and delivery. The paper highlights research underscoring the critical connection between active student participation in online courses and improved academic performance. It emphasizes the fundamental need for strategic organization and consistent course design to foster engagement and optimize student learning. Our research explores the value of soliciting and implementing student feedback through multiple mechanisms, including pre-term and midterm surveys, …

Exploring Vr User Experiences, Sarah Ferguson, Demetrice Smith-Mutegi, Brett Cook-Snell

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Virtual reality (VR) has unique potential for simulating environments and situations beyond real-life experiences. This study investigates the limitations of VR equipment design for learning spaces, specifically online environments. Presented are the findings of an exploratory study that examined the immersion, ease of use, and physiological and emotional experiences of seven university students participating in a 30–60 min VR session. Given the small sample size, the findings were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitatively. The results revealed that participants recognized the potential of VR as a teaching and learning tool, while also identifying certain limitations associated with health and safety. …

Developing Employability Skills: A Case Study Of Synchronous And Asynchronous Modalities, A. Mark Gray, Michelle E. Bartlett

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

In today's workforce, soft skills such as communication and adaptability are increasingly critical for career success, yet many graduates lack these competencies. As online learning continues to expand, questions arise about its effectiveness in cultivating essential workplace skills. This mixed-methods case study examines how synchronous and asynchronous distance learning modalities support the development of soft skills, focusing on communication and adaptability. Drawing on data from two online courses, an asynchronous professional development course (n = 24 pre, n = 19 post) and a synchronous construction leadership course (n = 2), the study utilizes surveys, reflections, and assignments to …

Impact Of A Virtual Support Program On Student Success In Neuroscience And Neuroanatomy Courses: Opportunities And Challenges, Abbigail Kubiak, Sue A. Sisto, Janice Tona

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

We investigated the outcomes of a novel neuroscience and neuroanatomy support program (NSP) developed and implemented in the pre-professional phase of an accredited Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science occupational therapy (OT) program. This research demonstrates the potential of targeted small group tutoring as an effective means to promote student success and retention. Modeled after Response to Intervention programs, we used a three-tiered approach to support student success. All students received standard lecture content (Tier 1). Students who desired extra help attended an optional recitation (Tier 2) and students who received a score of 70% or lower on one or …

Spotlight: Tako Lako, Diverse Russian, & Professional Russian, Margaret Godwin-Jones

Russian Language Journal

The Digital Resources Corner (DRC) offers reviews of new digital resources that could be beneficial in the teaching and/or learning of Slavic languages. It is intended for instructors looking for or evaluating different materials to use in the classroom.

College Instructors’ Experiences Of Online English As Second Language (Esl) Teaching And Learning Environments, Jianan Zhou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates college ESL instructors' experiences in teaching online ESL courses. It explores the differences in teaching focus and online modes for teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing courses. It also investigates how ESL instructors' perceived level of technology competence varies across different online teaching modes and examines how teaching and learner engagement strategies differ depending on the instructional modality. Key findings include the observation that both BICS and CALP were prevalent in online reading courses. Although no significant difference in technology competence between asynchronous and synchronous modes was found, it was shown that instructors used more synchronous modes …

Saudi And American Students’ Motivation And Anxiety In Online Collaborative Learning In The United States, Nawal Alqarni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study aims to explore motivation and anxiety Saudi and American students in online collaborative learning environments through online courses in U.S. universities and how they relate to their academic performance.

The study utilized a quantitative approach for data collection through an online survey of 99 Saudi students and 39 American students who were enrolled in U.S. universities. The results showed that there was no significant difference in motivation scores between undergraduate Saudi students and their American counterparts. Nor was a significant difference observed in motivation scores between graduate Saudi students and graduate American students. The data also indicated …

How Does Health Professions Student Engagement Differ Across Campuses In A Synchronous Multi-Campus Learning Environment?, Satera Nelson

Theses & Dissertations

Student engagement is positively associated with academic achievement, student satisfaction, and retention. In synchronous multi-campus learning, students learn simultaneously while physically located at several campuses throughout the state. This educational model is one way to address the rural health care shortage, as many students who study at rural campuses tend to stay in rural areas to practice. Student engagement is crucial to ensuring that students at rural campuses have a comparable learning experience and to help those students feel like they are a valued part of the class. The purpose of this study was to evaluate health professions student and …

Exploring Student Engagement In A Blended And Gamified Statistics And Probability: Designed With Learning Styles And Player Types, Reymund R. Gonowon

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Educators are called to contribute towards achieving SDG 4: Quality Education. A major determinant in achieving this goal is providing learners with essential skills such as analyzing and interpreting data, making inferences, and driving evidence-based decisions which are the expected competencies in Statistics and Probability (STATPRO), one of the core subjects of the senior high school curriculum in the Philippines. To progress towards SDG 4, achieving the learning competencies of STATPRO is vital, however engaging students in a blended learning environment may be challenging. This study aims to explore the behavioral engagement of students in a gamified STATPRO class through …

How To Design An Effective Mooc To Promote Media Literacy: A Study Based On The Educational Design Research Approach, Lílian Tropiano, Pedro Reis

Journal of Media Literacy Education

The research aims to establish a conceptual framework to design a MOOC to promote media literacy in the context of information disorder. Information disorder is a phenomenon that mainly occurs from the large flow of false or incorrect content posted on the internet. Promoting media literacy is a way of helping citizens to face the challenges of disinformation processes. The educational design research involves the development of a MOOC prototype based on the literature review and improvement through successive iterations with groups of experts and MOOC participants. The first stage of investigation is the literature review for the development of …