Transforming K-12 Rural Education through Blended Learning: Teacher Perspectives
Author: Kellerer, Paula
Date: 2014-12-00
Type: Reports - Research
Subjects: Teacher Attitudes,Rural Education,Blended Learning,Semi Structured Interviews,Knowledge Level,Educational Practices,Learner Engagement,Individualized Instruction,Independent Study,Pacing,Student Motivation,Student Centered Learning,Teacher Role,Professional Development,Educational Benefits,Self Efficacy,Teacher Effectiveness,Academic Achievement,Qualitative Research

A qualitative study exploring rural teacher perspectives on the impact of blended learning on students and teachers was conducted in Idaho during the Fall of 2013. Researchers from Northwest Nazarene University's DOCEO Center in partnership with Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) collaborated in interviewing, transcribing and analyzing responses from rural Idaho teachers on their perspectives of blended learning. Nineteen teachers were randomly selected to participate in the study based on the knowledge that they had participated in blended learning training provided by IDLA and were actively using blended learning in their classrooms. Eight teachers consented and participated in the semi-structured interview process conducted by members of the iNACOL Research Committee. The study sought to solicit teacher perceptions related to the following three questions: (1) What is your understanding of blended learning; (2) How has blended learning changed the way you teach; and (3) How has blended learning changed your students? Researchers at NNU's Doceo Center evaluated and analyzed the results of participants' responses. Eight significant themes emerged from the analysis, with the most frequently reported theme related to an increased level of student engagement in blended learning classrooms. Other significant themes related to teacher perceptions of students' experiences in the blended learning classroom included a more personalized learning environment, the ability for students to be self-directed, the opportunity for students to create their own pace, and increased levels of student motivation. Significant themes emerged related to the teaching experience in the blended learning classroom. Teachers confirmed the role that blended learning plays in cultivating a student-centered environment, describing their role as facilitators of learning. In addition, teachers spoke to the importance of professional development in improving their quality of experience in implementing blended learning. Finally, teachers shared personal stories about the significance of just starting, of diving into the experience of creating blended learning classrooms. Results from this study were compared to a previous study conducted in Idaho (Werth, Werth, &amp; Kellerer, 2013). Conclusions from this study supported many of the conclusions from the previous study including the positive impacts on students in the areas of motivation, student engagement, personalized learning and self-directedness. In addition, several of the themes reflect the positive benefits of blended learning on teachers as well, including an increased level of self-efficacy after &quot;jumping in&quot; and being able to meet the needs of individual students. &quot;IDLA Blended Teaching Study- Interview Protocol&quot; is appended.