Home // International Journal On Advances in Life Sciences, volume 2, numbers 3 and 4, 2010 // View article


What Motivates Faculty to Adopt Distance Learning? Data Collected from a Faculty Development Workshop Called “Build a Web Course”

Authors:
Tamara Michele Powell

Keywords: distance learning; hindrances to distance learning; incentives; instructional technology; motivation; professional development; training

Abstract:
Abstract--To assist faculty at KSU (Kennesaw State University outside Atlanta, Georgia in the United States) in using instructional technology, the CHSS (College of Humanities and Social Sciences) Office of Distance Education has created, piloted, and implemented a hybrid training workshop designed to take potential online instructors from curious to comfortable and competent in three months. This workshop is offered through the CHSS Distance Education Department. This workshop design is based on secondary research into adult learning and ten years of grant supported primary research in professional development instructional technology. Five workshops have been completed so far, with the latest workshops ending January 28, 2011. Sixty two faculty in the humanities and social sciences, education, and nursing successfully completed the training. Before, during, and after the training, participants were surveyed regarding their various aspects of distance learning, including their own thoughts and beliefs. This paper presents the rationale, methods, results, and lessons learned in these trainings.

Pages: 173 to 187

Copyright: Copyright (c) to authors, 2010. Used with permission.

Publication date: April 6, 2011

Published in: journal

ISSN: 1942-2660