ERIC Number: EJ1080350
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2187-0594
EISSN: N/A
Student Attitudes about Distance Education: Focusing on Context and Effective Practices
Smidt, Esther; Bunk, Jennifer; McGrory, Bridget; Li, Rui; Gatenby, Tanya
IAFOR Journal of Education, v2 n1 p40-64 Win 2014
There has been an unquestionable upsurge in distance education in recent years. Given this, it is extremely important to understand the experience of online courses from students' perspectives. The purpose of the current qualitative study is to understand student attitudes about distance education in a specific context, namely that of a Mid-Atlantic mid-sized state university. We then translate our findings into practical recommendations for instructors. Data sources consist of journal entries written by 36 teacher candidates taking the course, Teaching English Language Learners PreK-12. Findings are categorized according to Course Characteristics, e.g. students have definite opinions about the use of the discussion forum, some of them negative, Instructor Characteristics, e.g. students see the need for interaction/synchronous communication and effective assessment, and Learner Characteristics, e.g. the appropriateness of distance education depends on student learning style and practical factors.
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, Distance Education, College Students, Qualitative Research, State Universities, Journal Writing, Educational Practices, Preservice Teachers, Second Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Student Characteristics, Discussion Groups, Electronic Learning, Computer Mediated Communication, Synchronous Communication, Asynchronous Communication, Cognitive Style, Misconceptions, Online Courses, Blended Learning, Teacher Student Relationship, Personal Autonomy, Time Factors (Learning), Interaction
International Academic Forum. Sakae 1-16-26 - 201 Naka Ward, Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0008. Tel: +81-50-5806-3184; Web site: http://iafor.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A