You are here:

Online Student Perceptions of the Need for a Proximate Community of Engagement at an Independent Study Program
article

, Brigham Young Uiversity, United States ; , Brigham Young University, United States ; , George Mason University, United States ; , Brigham Young University, United States

Journal of Online Learning Research Volume 2, Number 4, ISSN 2374-1473 Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), Waynesville, NC USA

Full Text

Abstract

Research suggests that collaborative learning designs for online courses which require interaction with teachers and peers promotes engagement and learning. K-12 students seek supplemental online courses to meet graduation requirements and desire flexibility which often conflicts with required interactions. This paper asserts that online independent study learners may create a Proximate Community of Engagement (PCE) in order to derive the benefits of collaboration and interactions. Using the Adolescent Community of Engagement (ACE) framework as a lens for identifying interactions, this study surveyed K-12 independent study students to assess their perception of the need for interaction with a support community while completing an online course. The study showed that students perceive the benefits of such a community and plan to receive support from parents, teachers, and counselors proximate to their location. The study also finds that the perception of the need is significantly greater for students taking a course for credit recovery than those taking the course for the first-time. Course providers can coach independent study students and family on how to create a Proximate Community of Engagement.

Citation

Oviatt, D.R., Graham, C.R., Borup, J. & Davies, R.S. (2016). Online Student Perceptions of the Need for a Proximate Community of Engagement at an Independent Study Program. Journal of Online Learning Research, 2(4), 333-365. Waynesville, NC USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved August 12, 2024 from .

© 2016 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

References

View References & Citations Map
  1. Ahn, J. (2011). Policy, technology, and practice in cyber charter schools: Framing the issues. Teachers College Record, 113(1), 1-26.
  2. Anderson, T. (2008). Towards a theory of online learning. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed., pp. 45-74). Edmonton, Canada: AU
  3. Boling, E.C., Hough, M., Krinsky, H., Saleem, H., & Stevens, M. (2012). Cutting the distance in distance education: Perspectives on what promotes positive, online learning experiences. The Internet and Higher Education, 15(2), 118-126. Doi:10.1016/J.Iheduc.2011.11.006
  4. Borup, J., & Drysdale, J. (2014). On-site and online facilitators: Current and future direction for research. In R.E. Ferdig& K. Kennedy (Eds.), Handbook of research on K-12 online and blended learning (pp. 325-346). Retrieved from http://press.etc.cmu.edu/content/handbook-research-k-12-online-and-blended-learning-0
  5. Borup, J., Graham, C.R., & Davies, R.S. (2013). The nature of adolescent learner interaction in a virtual high school setting. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 29(2), 153–167. Doi:10.1111/J.1365-2729.2012.00479.x
  6. Borup, J., Graham, C.R., & Drysdale, J.S. (2013). The nature of teacher engagement at an online high school. British Journal of Educational Technology, 45(5), 793-806.
  7. Cavanaugh, C., Barbour, M., & Clark, T. (2009). Research and practice in K-12 online learning: A review of open access literature. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(1), 1-22. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/ Index.php/irrodl/article/view/607/1182
  8. Clark, T. (2013). The evolution of k-12 distance education and virtual schools. In M.G. Moore (Ed.), Handbook of distance education (3rd ed., pp. 555-573). New York,
  9. Davis, N., Roblyer, M.D., Charania, A., Ferdig, R., Narms, C., Compton, L.K.L., & Cho,M.O. (2007). Illustrating the “virtual” in virtual schooling: Challenges and strategies for creating tools to prepare virtual teachers. The Internet and Higher Education, 10(1), 27-39. Doi:10.1016/J.iheduc.2006.11.001
  10. Drysdale, J.S., Graham, C.R., & Borup, J. (2014). An online high school “shepherding” program: Teacher roles and experiences mentoring online students. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 22(1), 9-32. Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/112372/
  11. Erb, R.E. (2004). From traditional public school to cyber charter: How parents decide. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania.
  12. FLVS (2016). Student and parent handbook: 2016-2017 school year. Retrieved from https://www.flvs.net/ docs/ default-source/ district/ student _ parent _ handbook.
  13. Friedhoff, J., Borup, J., Stimson, R. & Debruler, K. (2015). Documenting and sharing the work of successful onsite mentors. Journal of Online Learning Research, 1(1), 107128.
  14. Garrison, D., & Akyol, Z. (2013). The community of inquiry framework, Handbook of distance education (3rd ed., pp. 104-119). New York, NY: Routledge.
  15. Garrison, D.R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2(2-3), 87-105. Doi:10.1016/S1096-7516(00)00016-6
  16. Gemin, B., Pape, L., Vashaw, L., & Watson, J. (2015). Keeping pace with K-12 digital learning: An annual review of policy and practice. Evergreen Education Group. Retrieved from http://www.kpk12.com/wpcontent/uploads/Evergreen_KeepingPace_2015.pdf
  17. Gunawardena, C.N. (1995). Social presence theory and implications for interaction and collaborative learning in computer conferences. International Journal of Educational Telecommunications, 1(2-3), 147-166.
  18. Hannum, W.H., Irvin, M.J., Lei, P., & Farmer, T.W. (2008). Effectiveness of using learner-centered principles on student retention in distance education courses in rural schools. Distance Education, 29(3), 211-229. Doi:10.1080/01587910802395763
  19. Harms, C.M., Niederhauser, D.S., Davis, N.E., Roblyer, M.D., & Gilbert, S. (2006). Educating educators for virtual schooling: Communicating roles and responsibilities. The Electronic Journal of Communication, 16(1 & 2), 1-13. Retrieved from http://www.cios.org/EJCPUBLIC/016/1/01611.HTML Hasler Waters, L. (2012). Exploring the experiences of learning coaches in a cyber charter school: A qualitative case study (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database (UMI No. 3569079).
  20. Hasler Waters, L., Barbour, M.K., & Menchaca, M.P. (2014). The nature of online charter schools: Evolution and emerging concerns. Educational Technology& Society, 17(4), 379-389.
  21. Hasler Waters, L., Menchaca, M.P., & Borup, J. (2014). Parental involvement in k-12 online and blended learning. In R.E. Ferdig& K. Kennedy (Eds.), Handbook of research on K-12 online and blended learning (pp. 303-324). Retrieved from http://press.etc.cmu.edu/content/handbook-research-k-12-online-and-blended-learning-0
  22. Hawkins, A. (2011). We’re definitely on our own: Interaction and disconnection in a virtual high school (Doctoral dissertation). Available from All Theses and Dissertations (Paper 2618). Retrieved from http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/2618 Hawkins, A., Graham, C.R., & Barbour, M.K. (2012). “Everybody is their own island”: Teacher disconnection in a virtual school. The International Journal of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 13(2), 124-144. Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/
  23. Michigan Virtual University (2014). A report to the legislature. Retrieved from http://media.mivu.org/pdf/Leg_Report_2014.pdf
  24. Moore, M.G. (1973). Towards a theory of independent learning and teaching. Journal of Higher Education, 44, 661-679.
  25. Moore, M.G. (1989). Three types of interaction [editorial]. The American Journal of Distance Education, 3(2), 1-6.
  26. Nastu, J. (2011). Early intervention and credit recovery programs are helping at-risk students succeed. ESN Special Report: Keeping students on a path to graduation. Retrieved from http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/02/22/esn-special-report-keepingstudents-on-a-path
  27. NCSL (2012). Rethinking “seat time:” State approaches to earning credit in out-of-school time. Washington, DC. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/documents/educ/SeatTime.pdf
  28. Oliver, K., Osborne, J., Patel, R., & Kleimann, G. (2009). Issues surrounding the deployment of a new statewide virtual public school. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 10(1), 37–49.
  29. OVA (2015). Ohio Virtual Academy parent handbook: 2015-2016. Retrieved from: http://ohva.k-12.com/content/dam/schools/ohva/files/ohva_handbook_15-16.pdf Patrick, S., & Powell, A. (2009). A summary of research on the effectiveness of K-12
  30. Pettyjohn, T.J. (2012). Stakeholder’s perceptions of supplemental online learning for credit recovery (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/402
  31. Pintrich, P.R., & De Groot, E.V. (1990). Motivational and self-regulated learning components of classroom academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82(1), 35-40.
  32. Potter, J. (1998). Beyond access: Student perspective on support service needs in distance education. The Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education, 24(1), 59–82.
  33. Roblyer, M.D., & Marshal, J.C. (2002). Predicting success of virtual high school students: Preliminary results from an educational success prediction instrument. Jour-Perceived Need for a Proximate Community of Engagement 365
  34. Rovai, A. (2002). Sense of community, perceived cognitive learning, and persistence in asynchronous learning networks. Internet and Higher Education, 5(4), 319–332.
  35. Song, L., Singleton, E.S., Hill, J.R., & Hwa Koh, M. (2004) Improving online learning: Student perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics. Internet and Higher Education, 7, 59-70.
  36. Staker, H. (2011). The rise of K-12 blended learning: Profiles of emerging models. Innosight Institute. Retrieved from http://www.christenseninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/The-rise-of-K-12-blended-learning.emerging-models.pdf
  37. Watson, J., & Gemin, B. (2008) Promising practices in online learning: Using online learning for at-risk students and credit recovery. Vienna, VA: iNACOL. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED509625.pdf. Watson, J., & Pape, L. (2015). School accountability in the digital age: A closer look at state accountability systems and online schools, with a focus on student mobility and graduation rates: Evergreen Education Group. Retrieved from http://www.

These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.

Suggest Corrections to References

Also Read

Related Collections