The effects of online time management practices on self-regulated learning and academic self-efficacy

The following study investigates the use of a web-based mechanism that was designed to attempt to influence levels of self-efficacy by engaging participants in an experimental procedure. The process encouraged participants to monitor their time management behaviors and engage in a self-regulated learning process. The study utilized a web-based tool in order to attempt to evoke these changes using current and emerging instructional technologies and tools. This mechanism provided participants with feedback on their time management behaviors as they progressed through a twoweek process of setting goals, monitoring their time management practices, and receiving feedback. Although no significant findings were discovered via the statistical analyses, many implications regarding the development and implementation of future interventions can be inferred. Time Management and Self-Efficacy iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS On a journey such as this one, I have been truly blessed to have been surrounded by a community of respected mentors, supportive peers, and encouraging friends and family. Because of this, my years spent as a doctoral student in the Instructional Technology program at Virginia Tech are ones that will be remembered as having marked a very important part of my personal and professional life. My dissertation committee was comprised of several of those mentors who were instrumental in shaping my growth and learning during the three years I was enrolled in the program. Drs. Kathy Cennamo and Barbara Lockee both served not only as committee members, but as mentors and role models as they took interest in and mentored my teaching and research endeavors and who also showed me that it is possible to balance academic careers with family commitments. Drs. Mike Moore and John Burton additionally served valuable roles during my tenure at Tech as Dr. Moore advised me during my first years in the program and Dr. Burton served as my supervisor and mentor during my final months. To both of these men, I am extremely grateful for their mentorship, support and advice. To my committee co-chairs, Drs. Peter Doolittle and Glen Holmes, I express my deepest appreciation for their commitment to me and to this process. Dr. Holmes’ time and energy spent developing the web-based tool through which this experiment was made possible and his time spent challenging me to think and perform at higher levels will not be forgotten. Dr. Doolittle’s time spent as a thorough and meticulous editor, and his time spent encouraging me as a student, scholar and colleague have made a profound effect on Time Management and Self-Efficacy iv my life. I am grateful to him for all he has taught me and for his belief in me and am looking forward to future endeavors as his colleague. During this process, I was also fortunate to have been surrounded by a group of peers who supported and collaborated with me and will always hold a special place in my heart. Forrest, Andrea, Stephanie and Pete, who all volunteered their time and talents in the development of this program were pivotal to ensuring the success of such an endeavor. Miriam, Ross, Stephanie, Gao, Andrea, Sam, Phyllis and others who participated and encouraged me along the way are truly peers that I am proud to have been associated with. This endeavor could not have been possible without the support of my friends and family. Stephanie, who was there for me through thick and thin and who provided me with the encouragement, support and humor of a true friend has been a blessing to me and will always be treasured. To the rest of my friends who provided me with support and understood my absences along the way, I am grateful. To my mother who has continually encouraged me and to my new in-laws who have lovingly accepted me and welcomed me into their family, I am also grateful. Last but not least, to my husband Sean, to whom this document is dedicated, I thank for not only accepting me during such a difficult time, but for teaching me how to laugh, love and be happy in the process. I am thankful for his unconditional love and undying support and am anxiously awaiting the journeys that are to come. Time Management and Self-Efficacy v