Abstract
<P>The academic culture of higher educational institutions is characterized by specific pedagogical philosophies, assumptions about rewards and incentives, and values about how teaching is delivered. In many academic settings, however, the field of distance education has been viewed as holding marginal status. Consequently, the goal of this qualitative study was to explore faculty members&rsquo; experiences in a distance education, online university while simultaneously navigating within a traditional environment of higher education. A total of 28 faculty members participated in a threaded, asynchronous discussion board that resembled a focus group. Participants discussed perceptions about online teaching, working in an institution without a traditional tenure system, and the role of research in distance education. Findings indicated that online teaching is still regarded as less credible; however, participants also noted how this perception is gradually changing. Several benchmarks of legitimacy were identified for online universities to adopt in order to be viewed as credible. The issue of tenure still remains highly debated, although some faculty felt that tenure will be less crucial in the future. Finally, recommendations regarding attitudinal shifts within academic circles are described with particular attention to professional practice, program development, and policy decision-making in academia.</P> <P><B>Key words:</B> distance education, online education, online faculty experiences, academia, tenure</P>
Highlights
Advancements in technology have expanded the traditional boundaries of education beyond the brick-and-mortar university or college on a land-based campus
As online teaching becomes more entrenched, we will witness more studies about the experiences and social perceptions of faculty members in online universities, their experiences as they navigate in an academic climate that is influenced by the values and norms of traditional brickand-mortar institutions
This qualitative study gave “voice” to faculty members who have chosen to teach at Capella University, an accredited, for-profit online university. How do their colleagues in traditional institutions perceive their role as online faculty teaching at an online university? Would teaching at an online university adversely affect their opportunities to teaching at a traditional university? What are some of the issues raised about the credibility of distance education? After extrapolating the themes related to these online faculty members’ perceptions and experiences, specific practice, program, and policy recommendations will be offered within the context of higher education
Summary
Advancements in technology have expanded the traditional boundaries of education beyond the brick-and-mortar university or college on a land-based campus. In spite of the prevalence of online course offerings, many faculty members are still ambivalent about online teaching They may have accepted the value and legitimacy of online learning, yet not all have embraced this new technological delivery system. As online teaching becomes more entrenched, we will witness more studies about the experiences and social perceptions of faculty members in online universities, their experiences as they navigate in an academic climate that is influenced by the values and norms of traditional brickand-mortar institutions. After extrapolating the themes related to these online faculty members’ perceptions and experiences, specific practice, program, and policy recommendations will be offered within the context of higher education Such recommendations are valuable in light of fact that technology continues to rapidly evolve as a means of delivering education and as traditional campuses are moving to incorporate online instruction with traditional face-to-face teaching. The term “learner” refers to students and is used in place of the term “student” reflecting again the philosophy learning-centeredness in distance education
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
