Faculty Perceptions of Online Instruction and Educational Technology in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to obtain faculty perceptions of online instruction and educational technology in higher education.  Data was collected from eight participants through interviews and open-ended questions at a higher education institution.  Results showed that faculty consider that online instruction is only possible for certain programs and that it’s only for certain student populations.  In addition, faculty perceive online learning environments as a repository for class information and serve as a communication medium between instructor and student.  Furthermore, faculty believe that there is no substitution for traditional teaching methods regardless of the educational technology available.  Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.