Examining Faculty Expressions of Computer Self-efficacy and Personal Attitudes Regarding the Viability of Distance Learning: A Matter of Ethical Consideration.
Abstract: This mixed design study examines the attitudes of a sample of 98 faculty at five public universities regarding awarding of online graduate credit. The participants were divided into grouping based upon personal feelings of self-efficacy regarding the use of educational technology. Attitudes were measured and scored via a self-disclosing four point Likert Scale survey instrument. Using both t-test and Two Way ANOVA analysis, attitudes were examined between three sub-groupings of participants ranked on personal attitudes of technical self efficacy/proficiency. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 12 study participants. The vast majority of interview respondents expressed reluctance when considering distance learning graduates when hiring faculty positions. As Universities are rushing to offer more and more graduate level courses and degrees online, this research highlights various ethical concerns involving graduate students on a path leading to careers in higher education.
Presider: David Smith, on leave