Evaluating ATM Technology for Distance Education in Library and Information Science

Abstract

Following the lead of distance education studies from Oklahoma and Hawaii, the present study investigated the impact of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology in an interactive environment providing distance education in library and information science at two San Jose State University (SJSU) sites separated by four hundred miles in California. SJSU is in the southernmost city in the San Francisco Bay Area; the distance site, California State University-Fullerton (FLRTN), is in the greater Los Angeles basin. The major purpose of the study was to develop a reliable and valid evaluation instrument. Graduate students were asked to respond to Likert statements via paper-and-pencil administration. Iterative validation of scale components involved 252 responses over three semesters and yielded six scales with final alpha levels from.84 to .89. These scales were used to evaluate the delivery of five courses in the fall of 1995 (N=112). The comparisons between SJSU and FLRTN showed no significant differences in perceptions regarding site setup, communication, or affective relations; there were significant differences between SJSU and FLRTN in perceptions of instructors, technology, and learning. Comparisons across courses found significant differences between the send vs. receive sites, the sense of community, and the perception of instructors. Analyses of modal item scores found: (1) student reaction was more positive at the originating site, regardless of course (2) students bonded with their distant colleagues, or not, in approximately equal numbers; (3) class discussions are not easy in distance mode; and (4) students believe more face-to-face contact with the instructor would be helpful. By far the most prevalent item score was four on a five-point scale, where five equals positive experiences. Students did not perceive themselves as second-class citizens in this instructional mode when compared with a traditional course arrangement