The Interpersonal Dynamics of a Distance Education Program
Date
2005-08
Authors
Biggs, Mary Jo Garcia
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Abstract
The study compared the psychosocial learning environments for three graduate social work courses (face-to-face, hybrid, and online) and measured student preferences and perceptions using a standardized web-based scale. Findings of this exploratory study
reveal that the same graduate course taught by the same instructor
in the same semester using the same syllabus result in different
perceptions of students depending upon what delivery approach is
used. Student perceptions of the learning environment were similar
for all three classes; however, on Instructor Support and Student
Interaction and Collaboration, the online course was rated lower.
That is, students in the online class reported less support offered
by the instructor and fewer peer interaction opportunities than the
face-to-face or the hybrid courses. What can be concluded from this
study is that, while the online learning environment is not poor,
there is certainly room for improvement, and instructors should
consider methods that enhance the learning environment of the
online distance education courses. The extent to which the results
of the current study are directly related to courses in other
subjects offered at the university level is limited; however, the
information obtained here offers university instructors the
opportunity to utilize the data and to develop and implement
courses based on student feedback of the learning environment as
opposed to traditional summative class evaluation and student
cognitive outcomes. Such research will go far in supporting
evidence-based best teaching practices that meet the needs of both
professors and students for a quality learning environment in
modern cyber classrooms.
Description
Research Enhancement Program Final Report
Keywords
distance education, psychosocial learning, graduate social work courses
Citation
Biggs, M. J. G. (2005). <i>The interpersonal dynamics of a distance education program</i>. Research Enhancement Program, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.