the needs of online graduate students
Post on 01-Dec-2014
881 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
A Doctoral Research Study
CSSHE ConferenceMontreal, QCMay 2010 Dr. Kelly Edmonds
Wired Learning Consultants Inc.
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Online learning increases
access to education
and is becoming more popular in HE
Educational leaders must take into account
the needs of an expanding and diverse student population
… to understand
current and future populations of
online students
More research is needed …
… in order to grasp the complex relationship
between learner characteristics, delivery
technologies, and instructional design
163 graduate students Western Canadian
university Analyzed:
Student characteristics Motives for and
perceptions of online learning
Mixed methods 3 stages
Online survey Virtual focus groups Virtual and f2f
interviews
Middle aged Female Married Work full-time in
education North America
Rural Urban
Online at night and weekends
Master and doctoral degrees
Education programs 7 years since formal
education 4 fully online courses Adequate technology and
info literacy skills
Online program costs Online program credibility Ability to learn online Adequate technology skills
Staff IT: quick responses, telephone; online supports Administration: program and policy questions; email Student advisor: lacking; email, f2f Library: navigate online databases; email
Instructor Student online support; newbies Guidance: expectations Feedback: on track; assignments
Instructor presence More contact: personal connection Facilitate: overwhelming and meaningless postings Participate: input, expertise, challenge, be interested
Communication Live: simulate f2f; voice, real, hear Interaction: motivating; all participate Timeliness: immediate response; feel connected;
questions answered
Course structure
Comprehensive syllabi: expectations, schedule, assignments
Be prepared: timely materials; skilled instructor
Consistent construction: easy navigation
Adult learner needs: flexibility; workloads; time zones student-centred; choice; personalized; diverse LS
Program structure
Credibility: rigor, recognition, applicable content
Blended learning: engaging; summer time; virtual settings
Online resources: library, payment, registration, tutorials
Online Program
Costs Too high Unequal treatment
Credibility Quality of education Perception of others
Faculty
Participation More faculty participation,
feedback, contact, and leadership online
Development Lack of faculty online
management and technical skills
top related