Investigating the Concerns of First-Time Distance Education Instructors

Y

19

Novices; Distance Education; Teacher Attitudes; Intervention; Technological Literacy; Pedagogical Content Knowledge; Foreign Countries; College Faculty; Synchronous Communication; Teaching Experience; Integrated Learning Systems; Instructional Effectiveness; Adoption (Ideas); Self Efficacy

1492-3831

The purpose of the study is to investigate the concern developments of first-time distance education instructors using the concerns-based adoption model (CBAM). This study used stages of concern (SoC), a component of CBAM, as its theoretical framework. A descriptive case study was implemented, which focused on the adaptation processes of nine instructors lecturing for the first time via distance education. The instructors attended a two-day training, which was designed based on their initial concerns. Then instructors implemented their courses for four weeks via distance education. While the informational and personal stages (self-concerns) decreased compared to the initial findings, the consequence stage increased in intensity. However, self-concerns remained predominant in the process despite the reduction in self-concerns and increase in the consequence stage. Based on the findings, the implications for distance education and recommendations for addressing the instructors' concerns are discussed. Recommendations for alleviating the concerns of first-time distance education instructors include: the provision of ongoing concern-based interventions that incorporate technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge; providing working examples related to distance education from which instructors can learn vicariously; and encouraging collaboration among instructors.

As Provided

2019

EJ1237181