Asynochronous Distance Learning Technology: The Instructors' View
Abstract
Advances in communications, computer technology and human computer interfaces have enabled concurrent advances in Web based education. A number of case studies concerning applications of Web based education for both distance learning and on campus programs have been published. Primarily, these studies have focused on individual assessments of the Web based technologies. In addition, these published studies have generally highlighted the successes while little discussion about failed attempts has been presented in the literature. In contrast, this thesis provides a broad based assessment of applied Web technology for higher education. This research was conducted via a survey completed by twenty five university and college faculty from seventeen four year institutions. The survey instrument was composed of two parts. Part I gathered information about the course characteristics; equipment required, software, course title and credit hours. Part II of the survey included eleven categories of web based course delivery tools, such as chatrooms and digitized lectures. Course instructors were asked for the frequency of application of the particular tool and their perceptions of importance, efficiency of use, and instructor satisfaction for each tool. The general findings of the study as well as the statistically significant interaction effects between course characteristics are presented. The study found that electronic mail and on line information sources were the most important course delivery tools used by the survey participants. Highly favorable ratings were given to digitized lectures as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 24, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA333521
Entities
People
- Earl A. Evans
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology