1 / 11

Distance Learning & Technology Research Agenda

This research agenda explores the challenges and potential of distance learning (DL) in rural education. It highlights difficulties in teacher retention, curriculum offerings, and NCLB pressures while presenting DL as a viable solution. The study includes surveys and experimental research on DL usage, facilitator preparation, and student perspectives in 415 rural school districts. Key findings emphasize the need for improved technology access, qualified facilitators, and tailored support to enhance learning outcomes. Ultimately, the initiative aims to strengthen local schools and communities through effective DL strategies.

kosey
Télécharger la présentation

Distance Learning & Technology Research Agenda

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Distance Learning & Technology Research Agenda Wallace Hannum Associate Director for Technology National Research Center on Rural Education Support

  2. Rationale • Difficulty finding and retaining teachers • Inability to offer comprehensive curriculum • Pressure from NCLB • Distance learning & technology provides • Comprehensive curriculum • Courses not otherwise available • Equivalent or better learning gains • Professional development opportunities • Alternative to consolidation • Possibility to strengthen local schools & communities

  3. Research to Improve DL Effectiveness Exploration Intervention Large-Scale Study Survey of DE use Lit Review Survey of Student POV Facilitator PrepProgramPilot Study Experimental Study of FPP

  4. Exploration Survey of DL Use • Extent of DL use • Courses offered • Technologies used • Satisfaction • Needs • Barriers

  5. Not Interviewed 5.5% Interviewed 94.5% Exploration Sample Random sample of rural school districts (10%) • 415 school districts • 394 participated

  6. Exploration Key Findings Content Areas Technology Barriers DE Use Math (40%) Not needed (67%) Online (59%) 68% Use DE English (37%) Funding (63%) 2-way video (55%) 70% Report need for more Foreign language (34%) Scheduling (57%) Correspondence by email (43%) DE not priority (53%) 92% Satisfied History (24%) Computer-basedtutorials (38%) Lack trained instructional personnel (46%) Science (23%)

  7. Exploration Student POV Survey • All students in state-wide online learning program (n=355; rural n=222) • Asked about • Course taken; why; first online course; prep course • Where access; how much time; tech skills • How difficult; learned more/less than F2F • Communications with students; instructor • Role of facilitator • Barriers

  8. Intervention Facilitator Preparation Program • Who are facilitators? • What do they do? • How can they support student learning? • Why this matters. • Relationships matter • Constructing knowledge matters • Motivation matters • Place matters • Context matters

  9. Intervention Pilot Study • Testing our intervention • Facilitator Preparation Program • Online modules • Discussion forum • Learner-centered principles • Testing our measures • Learning outcomes • Motivation & persistence • Self-efficacy • Facilitator behavior

  10. Large-Scale Study Experimental Study • National sample rural school districts • Experimental study • Intervention and control groups • Random assignment • Enhanced Facilitator Preparation Program • Multi-method • Multiple measures

  11. Summary of Research Program Studies Effects of FacilitatorPreparation Survey ofStudentPOV Survey ofDE Use Large-ScaleFPP Study

More Related