The Impact of an Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) Program on the Professional Practice of Graduates

Y

25

Student Attitudes; Distance Education; Focus Groups; Graduates; Interviews; Program Effectiveness; Foreign Countries; Principals; Inservice Teacher Education; Teacher Surveys; Administrator Attitudes; Educational Administration; Rural Areas; Developing Nations; Barriers; Access to Education; Educational Environment; Educational Development; International Education; Educational Policy; Program Implementation; Instructional Effectiveness; Teaching Methods; Telecommunications; Access to Computers; Blended Learning; Program Evaluation; Handheld Devices; Computer Uses in Education; Correspondence Study; Educational Certificates

1492-3831

This paper examines the impact of a distance education program offered by the University of Pretoria, South Africa, on the professional practice of teachers. A pilot study was conducted using a combination of surveys and focus group interviews. Findings reveal that the program was beneficial to graduates' personal development, professional practice, schools, learners, and colleagues. Further, principals who participated in the study attested to the differences they observed between the graduates and other teachers who had not been exposed to such a program. Suggestions for improvements included the introduction of subjects taught at school as areas of specialization, involvement of school principals in the assessment of enrolled students, visits to schools by the organizers, and exposure of students to the practical opportunities offered by the program (with portfolios that could be a part of the assessment). (Contains 1 figure, 3 tables and 4 footnotes.)

As Provided

64

2009

EJ861318