JOLT - Journal of Online Learning and Teaching - The Diigo Meta page

• 29 Nov 08
  

  George Bradford

  This research explores student perceptions of course quality and instructor effectiveness in a hybrid MPA distance learning program. The MPA distance learning program under analysis utilizes a synchronous computer software program for 21 hours of instruction per course, an asynchronous computer software program for 21 hours of instruction per course, and six hours of on-campus in-person instruction per course.
  
  
  
  Survey data from students who have completed eight (8) courses in this distance learning program (repeated samples n = 90) will be compared to the evaluations of students who have taken the same courses from the same instructors in the on-campus program (n=100).
  
  
  
  The purpose of the research is two-fold. First, the research will determine if there is a significant difference between the perceptions of course quality and instructor effectiveness between students in the distance learning program and students enrolled in the on-campus program. Second, the research will explore student satisfaction with the use of the synchronous and asynchronous computer delivery methods. It is anticipated that students will express satisfaction levels with course quality and instructor effectiveness equal to, or exceeding, the satisfaction levels expressed by students in the on-campus program.

  student_satisfaction online elearning comparative-analysis

  • his paper examines
    the satisfaction levels of distance learning students with
    the education that they are receiving with this new
    technology. Specifically, the study compares the
    satisfaction of distance learning students who receive
    their primary instruction using this new platform with
    on-campus students in a traditional classroom setting. The
    findings, while preliminary, do provide a basis for
    drawing initial conclusions regarding the use of this new
    platform.
  • One of the most vexing problems in
    distance learning research is the lack of comparability
    between the courses offered in distance learning and
    traditional MPA programs. While many programs have
    distance learning MPA programs and compile satisfaction
    indicators for students enrolled in these programs, it is
    usually not possible to compare equivalent classes across
    the two student populations. The CSULB MPA-DL program’s
    curriculum is nearly identical to the curriculum offered
    to traditional on-campus students. Specifically, the core
    courses are identical and are often taught by the same
    instructors. This study explores the student satisfaction
    scores for four (4) core courses that are offered in both
    the distance learning and on-campus programs. These
    courses include: an introductory/foundations course; a
    course in public budgeting and finance; a course in
    research methods; and a policy analysis course.
  • 3 more annotations...
  • • Each of the
      courses was offered in the same semester by the same
      instructor. Data were collected from student evaluation of
      instruction surveys that were routinely distributed during
      the last two weeks of each class.
    • Once
      the equivalency of the courses was established, the
      distance learning sections of the course were compared to
      two on-campus sections of the same course.
    • It appears that
      satisfaction is more a function of the instructor in the
      course rather than the mode of delivery.
• 26 Jun 07
  

  Susan Manning

  This research explores student perceptions of course quality and instructor effectiveness in a hybrid MPA distance learning program.

  OLOSummer2007 research

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