Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2001

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Todd Whitaker

Second Advisor

Joanne Burrows

Third Advisor

Michael Stockstill

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to (a) examine Ivy Tech State College (ITSC) faculty members' and administrators' attitudes and beliefs about technology-mediated, interactive distance education (TIDE) and their. experiences and willingness to deploy it; (b) investigate how those experiences, and attitudes and beliefs affect faculties' perceived willingness to be involved in the deployment of TIDE; and (c) discover differences between the two groups in attitudes and beliefs, experience, and willingness to deploy TIDE. The results of the six research questions in this study support the conclusion that distance education is, and will continue to be, an increasing important aspect of higher education in the foreseeable future. Demographic data regarding faculty and administration revealed the College has need of more individuals, particularly women in administrative positions, with background and experience in fourth generation TIDE delivery systems. -- ~------~-- ~-'=-~~~~~~=~ -=-~-~--=-~-~~ - - ----~~--~~~~~=-~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~ Both faculty and administration were shown to have positive attitudes and beliefs about distance education. They believe that technical support, training on delivery systems, and adequate student support systems are all important to enhance faculty involvement in TIDE. A correlation matrix and factor analysis revealed 14 underlying factors that characterize faculty attitudes and beliefs about distance education. Ten of these factors showed significant correlation to faculties' willingness to be involved in TIDE delivery. Appropriate support systems, personal recognition, and the belief that distance education is a viable means of post-secondary education were the three factors with the strongest correlation to willingness. According to the data analysis, audiotape course experience is a useful predictor of faculty willingness to deploy TIDE. This study revealed that there is much common ground in the shared beliefs of administrators and faculty regarding distance education. While both groups were generally supportive, administrators were shown to be more likely to support the deployment of TIDE systems than faculties are to deploy them.

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