Faculty RA Requests for the 2008-2009 Academic Year Cover Sheet/Routing Sheet
Transcription
Faculty RA Requests for the 2008-2009 Academic Year Cover Sheet/Routing Sheet
Faculty RA Requests for the 2008-2009 Academic Year Cover Sheet/Routing Sheet Proposal Title: A comparative study: The effects of the use of innovative technology on online MBA students' learning outcomes in relation to students' temperament-oriented and academic-oriented learning styles. Faculty mentor: Joselina Cheng (Primary Investigator), Kelly Moyers (Co-Researcher) Tim Bridges (Co-Researcher) College: CBA Department: ISOM Campus Box: 115 E-mail address: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] A Time Line (Action Plan) has been included with this proposal. I understand that, as a condition of funding, the student and/or myself (faculty mentor) must present a poster at Oklahoma Research Day. Faculty Mentor Signature_____________________________________ Date _____________ Department Chairperson Signature_____________________________ Date_____________ College Dean Signature______________________________________ Date_____________ Proposal Title A comparative study: The effects of the use of innovative technology on online MBA students' learning outcomes in relation to students' temperament-oriented and academic-oriented learning styles. Project Description Project Overview Faculty members’ use of innovative technology in virtual classrooms can present pedagogical challenges in fully addressing students' learning styles and enhancing e-learning effectiveness. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the effects of innovative multimedia-based learning modules on online MBA students' learning outcomes in relation to students’ temperament-oriented (personality orientation of introversion and extroversion) and academic-oriented (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic) learning styles. The sample population includes students who enroll in MBA online courses for the fall and spring semesters of 20082009 at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). A researcher-constructed survey will be used to collect primary data including student demographics and learning styles. Secondary data, which will be provided by the UCO Enrollment Office, will include documented student learning outcomes (grade point averages). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to conduct statistical analyses to answer the research questions and hypotheses. The findings of the proposed study can provide administrators and faculty members with insights into how to best incorporate technology innovatively to enhance e-teaching and e-learning effectiveness in 21st century virtual classrooms. Research Project Map In an effort to align with UCO’s strategic objectives of providing students with quality online education and transformative learning experiences, this project has been carefully 2 designed to support student engagement in innovative research and scholarly activities. Research assistants and MBA graduate students will assist in data collection. Additional research assistant responsibilites include project preparation, web-based survey construction, data coding, data imports, statistical analysis, dissemination of results, and submission paperwork for conference presentations and journal publications. The research project map, as shown in Figure 1, outlines the formal steps of this proposed study. Additional details are availble in the timeline section of this proposal. Figure 1: Research Project Map Research Background The current knowledge-based, global economy requires new methods of delivering education, partly to enhance traditional methods of knowledge acquisition and distribution in brick-and- mortar higher education institutions (Chen, Gupta & Hoshower, 2006). The advanced technology enables higher education institutions to enhance education delivery and knowledge acquisition in the e-learning environment where learners and faculty members can be at a distance from one another but are connected by technological media (Saba, 2005). E-learning can be a strategic alternative to accommodate the needs of adult learners who are often too constrained to attend traditional classrooms due to working schedules (Zhang, 2004). Since the 3 flexibility of e-learning allows adult learners to engage in knowledge acquisition and online education at anytime and anywhere, the number of students enrolled in online course has more than doubled in the past five years, from “483,113 in 2002 to 1,501,005 in 2006” (Romano, 2006, A06). In 2005, over 500,000 online courses were available for enrollment at U.S. postsecondary institutions (Carr-Chellman, 2006). As the demands for online education continues, many traditional brick-and-mortar higher education institutions are transitioning to become hybrid institutions that offer both ground and online courses to meet the needs of adult learners and sustain long-term competitiveness (Picciano, 2006; De Simone, 2006; Folkers, 2005; Waterhouse, 2005). According to a survey study conducted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 60% of full-time faculties were involved in online course creation, updating, and delivery through the Internet and course management systems such as Blackboard/WebCT (Singh & Bernard, 2004; Trees, 2000). Statements of Problem and Purpose As the demand of using technology to deliver educational content electronically continues, faculty members in higher education are expected to transition from teaching in the traditional face-to-face classrooms to teaching in the virtual classrooms (Alshare, Kwun, & Grandon, 2006; Cao, 2005; Zhang, 2004). The problem is that teaching with innovative technology in the virtual classrooms (e-teaching) can present faculty members with pedagogical challenges in terms of addressing learning styles (Cao, 2005; Zhang, 2004; Bourne & Moore, 2004). While the literature is filled with e-learning architectural design, examining effects of innovative multimedia-based learning modules on online students’ learning outcomes in relation to students’ learning styles remains under explored (Aduwa-Ogiegbaen & Isah, 2005; Alshare, 4 Kwun, & Grandon, 2006; Blass & Davis, 2003; Britt, 2006; Carr-Chellman, 2006; Durrington, Berryhill, & Swafford, 2006; Lessen & Sorensen, 2006). To bridge the gap in literature, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the use of innovative technology on online MBA students' learning outcomes in relation to temperament-oriented and academic-oriented learning styles. The objectives of the study include (a) to compare the effect of multimedia-based learning modules on MBA students who are introverted and extrovetred (temperamental-oriented learning styles); and (b) to compare the effect of multimedia-based learning modules on MBA students who are auditory, visual, and kinesthethic learners (academic-oriented learning styles). Population and Sampling Frame The general population includes MBA online students at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). The target population consists of MBA students who enroll in online courses in the College of Business Administration for the fall and spring semesters 2008-2009. The sample for this study will include online MBA students who volunteer to participate in the study and sign the consent form as shown in Appendix A. Research Questions and Hypotheses Answers to the following research questions will be sought: 1. What are the effects of innovative multimedia-based learning modules on online MBA students’ learning outcomes in relation to students’ personality orientation of introversion and extroversion? 2. What are the effects of innovative multimedia-based learning modules on online MBA students’ learning outcomes in relation to students’ auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning style? 5 The research hypotheses that this study seeks to prove are summarized below. 1. The effects of innovative multimedia-based learning modules on online MBA students’ learning outcomes differ in relation to students’ personality orientation of introversion and extroversion. 2. The effects of innovative multimedia-based learning modules on online MBA students’ learning outcomes differ in relation to students’ auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles. Literature Review While online education can be an alternative strategy for traditional universities to accommodate adult learners who are unable to attend traditional face-to-face classes on campus, the success of online education depends on the design and quality of learning modules that address students’ learning styles sufficiently in the virtual classrooms (Zhang, 2004; Waterhouse, 2005). To better serve adult learners in the virtual classrooms, multimedia-based learning modules that will be used in the study are based on the following theoretical frameworks. Examples of innovative learning modules include, but are not limited to, podcast lectures and streamed videos of virtual tutors. Technology Mediated Learning Theory Technology mediated learning (TML) is defined as “an environment in which the learner’s interaction with learning materials such as readings, assignments, and instructions are mediated through advanced information technologies” (Alavi & Leidner, 2001, p. 2). TML is implemented in forms of computer-assisted instruction, computer-based training, Web-based instruction, or Web-based training. These different forms of TML are multimedia-based learning which can be accommodated by the use of computer mediated communication (CMC) technology to deliver planned learning modules asynchronously and synchronously (Chute, 2002). Asynchronous communication allows the interaction between the learners and the 6 faculties to occur at different times through the use of technological tools such as email and threaded discussion. In contrast, synchronous communication allows real-time, instructor-led online learning events where faculty and students interact at the same time through the use of technological tools such as chatting and teleconferencing (Palloff & Pratt, 1999; Waterhouse, 2005). Multimedia-Based Learning Theory According to Multimedia Learning Theory, to address students with auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles, faculty members can use hypermedia technology to develop learning modules and content with components of sounds, graphics, and interactions (Yu, Wang, & Che, 2005; Zhang, 2004). Multimedia is the delivery of information in a computer-based presentation that integrates two or more media (Beckman, 1996). Multimedia involves technologies that combine several media of communication such as text, graphics, video, animation, and sound. Since the Internet supports the delivery of full-motion audio and video to personal computers, multimedia technology that carries multimedia learning contents can be easily retrieved and downloaded over increasing network bandwidth (Zhang, 2003). Furthermore, multimedia courseware can address various learning styles by enticing learners to pay full attention through the vividness of presentation, sound, and hands-on activities. Multimedia-based learning modules have a dramatic impact on both the process of learning because the multi-sensory learning environments can help maximize the learner’s ability to retain information (Syed, 2001). Research has shown that multimedia instruction can enhance an individual’s problem-solving skills and entice learners to focus full attention on a task through the vividness of the presentation (Weston & Barker, 2001; Zhang, 2004). 7 Theoretical Framework for E-teaching Strategies Teaching in the virtual environment requires different pedagogical strategies than those used in the traditional face-to-face classroom (McKnight, 2004). Despite the fact that online education “has gained momentum and now accounts for a significant proportion of course offerings in higher education,” (McKnight, p. 510) limited pedagogical guidance is available to faculty members. Faculty members undergo the pragmatic process by unlearning past teaching habits and philosophies for online courses. Research has shown that incorporating sound pedagogy with innovative technology such as podcasting and streamed videos can enhance elearning effectiveness (Tangdhanakanond, Pitiyanuwat, & Archwamety, 2006; Waterhouse, 2005). The following sections present e-teaching strategies that are based on the theoretical framework of Adult Learning Theory, cognitive/social learning, constructivism, and Bloom’s Taxonomy. Adult Learning, Cognitive and, Constructive Theories The core of Adult Learning Theory is the art of helping adult learners (also known as Andragogy) learn by making the educational content professionally and personally relevant (Knowles, 1980). In the e-learning context, online faculty members can incorporate innovative technology to design and develop multimedia-based learning modules that (a) address adult learners’ needs, (b) engage adult learners in problem solving, and (c) acquire knowledge to apply to real-life situations (Cheren, 2002; Mungania & Hatcher, 2004). Research has shown that online learning modules that incorporate both innovative technology and Andragogy can help adults learn more effectively in virtual classrooms (Waterhouse, 2005). 8 Theory of Cognitive and Constructive Learning Incorporating cognitive and constructive learning theories into online learning modules can help adult learners learn autonomously (Folkers, 2005; Waterhouse, 2005). Cognitive and constructive learning underlines the importance of goal setting and the types of feedback that are given to online students to motivate learning (Bellefeuille, 2006). Cognitive and constructive learning also develops students’ self-regulatory skills to manage course workload and succeed in the virtual learning environment (Whipp & Chiarelli, 2004). Faculty members’ teaching philosophy also changes from knowledge transmission to knowledge construction (Yu, Wang, & Che, 2005). Bloom’s Taxonomy The concepts of Benjamin Bloom’s (1956) Taxonomy, which includes six increasingly sophisticated levels of cognitive skills, can also be incorporated into multimedia-based modules to foster online students’ critical thinking in a learner-centered learning environment where learners “become more actively engage in the learning process” (Waterhouse, 2005, p. 37). This theoretical framework allows faculty members to design and develop quality online learning modules that cultivate an innovative, collegial, and collaborative learning environment to enhance online students’ learning (De Simone, 2006). The following section presents theoretical foundation for research variables to be investigated in this study. Theoretical Framework for Research Variable: Learning Style Learning style is the preference, predisposition, or habitual mode of an individual to acquire information and knowledge (Curry, 1991; Riding & Cheema, 1991; Zapalska & Brozik, 2007). Research has shown that learning styles can affect learners to encode, process, and retrieve information differently (Brace-Govean & Clulow, 2000; Pachnowski & Jurczyk, 2000). 9 Temperament-oriented and academic-oriented learning styles are variables of interest in this study. Temperament-oriented Learning Styles Temperament-oriented learning styles affect how the individual learns formally or informally by his or her inborn nature and traits in a virtual learning environment (Dewar & Whittington, 2000). Jung (1923) was one of the earliest psychiatrists to postulate the effect of personality types on learners (a) in a formal educational and professional setting; and (b) in an informal setting of real-life circumstances (Myers, 1962; Myers, McCaulley, Quenk, & Hammer, 1998). People with different personalities also differ in their attitudes, response, and collection of information from external stimuli (McCaulley, Quenk, & Hammer, 1998). This study will focus on Jung’s personality typology of introversion and extroversion. Personality of introversion. Introversion is an attitude of people who prefer to focus on their own inner world of ideas and experiences (Myers, 1962). Introverts direct their energy and attention inward. Introverts also receive energy from reflecting on their thoughts, memories, and feelings. The characteristics of introverts include (a) working out ideas by reflecting on them, (b) being private and self-contained, (c) communicating in writing, and (d) taking the initiative when a situation or issue is very important to the person (Myers, 1962). In the context of e-learning, introverts prefer to asynchronous computer-mediated communication (Fink, 1999). Asynchronous communication allows students the ability to internalize thought process (Koszalka & Ganesan, 2004). Examples of asynchronous communication include, but are not limited to, threaded discussions, emails, posted lectures, and pre-planned assignments. Personality of extroversion. Extroversion is defined as “a trait or attitude of people who like to focus on the outer world of people and activity” (Myers, 1962, p. 9). Extroverts receive 10 energy from interacting with external world of things, people, and social activities (Myers, 1962). Extroverts also prefer to communicate verbally and solve problems by talking through issues, and learn by actions or discussions (Myers, 1962). In the context of e-learning, research shows that extroverts tend to prefer synchronous communication (Waterhouse, 2005). Examples of synchronous media include, but are not limited to, online chat sessions, interactive video, teleconferencing, internet voice telephone, instant messaging systems, and graphical virtual reality environments (Lavooy & Newlin, 2003). Academic-Oriented Learning Styles Academic-Oriented Learning Style Theory addresses specific skills and tasks generally incorporated into formal pedagogy (Groble, 2002). Of the researched academic learning styles, the consistently identifiable and validated styles include visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles (MacInnis & Price, 1987; Richardson, 1983; Zapalska & Brozik, 2007). For visual learners, thinking and problem-solving processes consisted of graphics and pictorial representations in which multisensory information is represented (MacInnis & Price, 1987; Drago & Wagner, 2004). In contrast, auditory learners prefer to verbalize in order to hear words or numbers spoken whereas kinesthetic learners prefer hands-on activities (Richardson, 1983; Drago & Wagner, 2004). In the context of e-teaching and e-learning, research has shown that using hypermedia technology to develop learning modules and content with components of sounds, videos, images, diagrams, and graphics can enhance learning effectiveness for students with auditory and visual learning styles (Yu et al., 2005; Waterhouse, 2005). Learners with a kinesthetic learning style learn best by doing. Research also shows that learning modules with emphasis of integrating 11 high interactivity to address students’ learning styles can enhance students’ participation elearning effectiveness (Moallem, 2008; Zhang, 2004). Theoretical Framework for Research Variable: Learning Outcomes In past studies that focus on learning, a student’s learning outcome was often measured by grade point average (Yu, Wang, & Che, 2005). In the context of e-learning, research has shown a correlation between the multimedia-oriented learning modules and a student learning outcome. A study conducted by Morales, Cory, and Bozell (2001) compared students’ performance between scores of students in traditional face-to-face classrooms and those in virtual classrooms. The study found significant differences in learning effectiveness that were measured by test scores for online and ground students. Online students who were exposed to both a text-based lecture and multimedia-based learning modules (streamed video) outperformed those who were exposed to text-based lecture (Morales, Cory, & Bozell, 2001). Methodology The time dimension of the proposal is cross-sectional such that the study will be conducted in the academic year 2008-2009. The sampling frame for this quantitative study is convenient sampling, which comprises graduate students who will enroll in online MBA courses at the College of Business Administration (CBA) at UCO for the fall semester in 2008 and the spring semester in 2009. This study will use primary and secondary data. The following section presents discussion for the primary data collection process as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2. Web-based data collection 12 Instrumentation and Pilot Test The web-based survey, as shown in Appendix B, will be used to collect primary data including students’ unique identifier, demographics, and preferred learning styles. A pilot test will be conducted to validate the researcher-constructed instrument to be constructed by the researchers and RA. Upon the completion of the pilot test, the web survey will be available for participants on a secured website. Other duties for researchers and RAs to perform include testing the web-based data collection protocols (data validation, survey submission, etc.,) performing administrative activities to monitor the website, and downloading data from the secured website at the end of data collection. The secondary data will be provided by UCO Enrollment office at the end of the fall and spring semesters of 2008-2009 after faculties turn in semester grades. Both the primary and secondary data will be merged by the researchers and RA by matching the students’ unique identifier. Data import, data coding, and data analysis will be conducted by the researchers and RA using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Multivariate analyses will be used to test for statistical significance. Aggregated findings of online MBA students' learning outcomes in relation to learning styles will also be dissimilated by the researcher and RA to provide insights for academic stakeholders including policy makers, administrators, faculties, students, and researchers. Study Limitations This quantitative study has several limitations. First, the study uses a population frame with a convenient sampling scheme to include students who self-select themselves when they enroll in online MBA courses. Collecting data from a non-probability sample may result in the possibility of sampling errors due to heterogeneity. Second, the sample size of this study may be 13 small. While the general and target population comprises a larger sampling frame, the sample size may be further decreased when students opt not to participate in the study. Third, this study will only be conducted over a two-semester period (fall 2008 and spring 2009) due to time and resource constraints. Fourth, this study relies on participants to self-report his or her preferred temperament-oriented (personality orientation of introversion and extroversion) and academicoriented learning styles (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic). Self-reporting instrumentation can subject the data to personal biases and veracity of the respondents since survey data fall “mostly in the realm of the honesty and accuracy of the respondents’ reporting” (Ulmer & Wilson, 2003, p. 535). Measurement error can result from self-reporting instrument tools (Neuman, 2003). These limitations may hinder the researcher’s ability to generalize the findings to a larger population. Significance of the Study to Leadership Traditional higher education institutions are no longer protected by geographic service areas since advanced technology and e-teaching models allow virtual universities such as the University of Phoenix to recruit working adults without geographic constraints (Drucker, 2001; Folkers, 2005). Online education can be a critical strategy for traditional higher education institutions to accommodate adult learners’ needs (Murphy, Mahoney, Chen, Noemi, & Yang, 2005). Specifically, online education can be a possible competitive strategy for traditional Oklahoma higher education institutions since Oklahoma ranked in the bottom one-third of all states for higher educational attainment (Bauman & Graf, 2003). The unique findings of this study can provide academic stakeholders including students, faculties, administrators, and policy makers with several benefits. First, the findings of the proposed study can help educators understand the effects of using innovative technology so that quality online learning modules can 14 be developed to address students’ learning styles and enhance e-learning effectiveness. Next, the insight to be gained from the study can help administrators align with UCO’s goals by supporting faculty with resources and training to enhance e-teaching. Furthermore, the insights to be gained from the study enables traditional brick-and-mortar universities to make the transition to becoming hybrid institutions and align with Oklahoma’s Brain Gain 2010 initiative to seek funding so that quality online courses can be developed to attract working adult learners, which will in turn increase college degree holders, and therefore improve Oklahoma’s intellectual capital (Oklahoma State Regents, 1999, 2003). In conclusion, while the delivery of innovative technology and multimedia-oriented learning modules can be challenging for many faculty members, the success of online education depends on the academic stakeholders’ collaboration to provide quality education (De Simone, 2006; Folkers, 2005). Institutional administrators and policy makers need to support online faculty members’ efforts to design quality online courses with innovative technology to address online students’ temperamental and academic learning styles (Waterhouse, 2005). The knowledge of helping online students learn more effectively in the virtual classrooms becomes increasingly important as more traditional brick-and-mortar institutions make the transition to become hybrid institutions in order to sustain long-term competitiveness in the global e-learning environment (Zapalska & Brozik, 2007). 15 Literature Citations Aduwa-Ogiegbaen, S., & Isah, S. (2005). 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Retrieved on October 25, 2007, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2006/05/15/AR2006051501496.h tml Saba, F. (2005, August). Critical issues in distance education: A report from the United States. Distance Education, Melbourne, 26(2), 255-272. Singh, R., & Bernard, M. (2004). Computers in education and business: A model for maintaining interoperability of coarse XML sharable learning objects after re-authoring in a standards-based editor. Proceedings of the winter international symposium on Information and communication technologies WISICT '04. Syed, M. (2001, July-September). Diminishing the distance in distance education. IEEE Multimedia, 18-21. 19 Tangdhanakanond, K., Pitiyanuwat, S., & Archwamety, T. (2006). Assessment of achievement and personal qualities under constructionist learning environment. Education, 126(3), 495-504. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from ProQuest database. Trees, M. (2000). 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Zapalska, A., Brozik, D. (2007). Learning styles and online education. Campuswide Information Systems, 24(1), 6. Retrieved May 31, 2008, from ProQuest database. Zhang, D. (2003). Powering e-learning in the new millennium: An overview of e-learning and enabling technology. Information Systems Frontiers, 5(2), 207-218. Zhang, D. (2004). Virtual mentor and the lab system-toward building an interactive, personalized, and intelligent e-learning environment. The Journal of Computer Information Systems, 44(3), 35-43. Zorn, Diane. (2007). Using video streaming and podcasting to design rich-media online courses. Retrieved May 28, 2008, from http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/UsingVideoStreamingandPod/45661?time= 1211986767 20 Appendix A Covered Letter and Informed Consent Form January 2, 2009 Dear Online Student As educators at the University of Central Oklahoma, we are interested in exploring the effect of the use of innovative technology on students’ learning outcomes. This research study is titled: A comparative study: The effects of the use of innovative technology on online MBA students' learning outcomes in relation to students' learning styles. The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of the use of online multimedia-based learning modules on students’ learning outcomes in relation to students’ temperament-oriented and academic-oriented learning styles. A web-based survey will be administered in November 2008 and April 2009 to collect students’ perceptions. Students’ grades will be provided by administration at the end of fall2008 and spring 2009 semesters. The finding and knowledge to be gained from the study can provide insight for faculty members, administrators, and policy makers to better understand the effects of the use of innovative technology in order to provide graduate students with transformative experience in an e-learning environment. There are no foreseeable risks to you for participating in this research study. You can withdraw from the study at any time without further obligation. Please be assured that your identity and your answers will be kept confidential: Your name will not be used and your individual grade will not be published. If you are 18 years old or older and would like to participate, please copy and paste the following URL link to a browser and login to the secure SurveyMoney website to complete an online survey that will take five minutes approximately. Since going to the website and filling out the online survey constitutes your consent to participate in the study, you may want to print and keep a copy of the cover letter for your records. Please contact the UCO Research & Grant (IRB office) via phone (405) 974-2100 or via email [email protected] for any questions regarding this study. Thank you for your time and participation. Sincerely, Dr. Joselina Cheng, Dr. Kelly Moyers, and Dr. Tim Bridges 21 Appendix B Web-Based Survey for Online MBA Students 1. The lack of collaborative and social community hinders my ability to learn in an online environment. 2. Online MBA courses allow me to complete a degree and secure professional advancement. 3. Collaborating group project with other online students is difficult for me in a virtual classroom. 4. The lack of timely feedback from faculty hinders my ability to learn in an online environment. 5. I take online MBA courses to prepare for a job change. 6. The lack of interactive and multimedia-based learning modules for MBA courses hinders my ability to learn in an online environment because my learning style(s) are not addressed. 7. Online MBA courses save me time from travelling to campus. 8. The lack of structure and user-friendly navigation of online MBA course(s) hinders my ability to learn in virtual classroom. 9. Online MBA courses are more accommodating to my working and family schedules. 10. The lack of technical support 24 hours and 7 days a week hinders my ability to learn an online environment. 11. Taking online MBA courses reduce the cost of travelling to campus. 12. The lack of time management skills on my part hinders my ability to complete assignment for online course(s). 13. I take online MBA courses to achieve an educational goal. 14. The lack of technical ability on my part hinders my ability to learn in an online environment. 15. Taking online MBA courses allow me to complete a master degree and enhance my qualification for pay increase. 16. The lack of pedagogical guideline from online instructor(s) hinders my ability to learn in an online environment. 17. Online MBA courses provide me with global access to obtain learning material via the Internet at anytime and anywhere. 22 Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Neutral = = = = = Strongly Disagree 1 2 3 4 5 Disagree Description of Survey Item 18. The lack of involvement or interaction from online instructor(s) hinders my ability learn in an online environment. 19. I am self-motivated to complete course load and succeed in an online environment. 20. Taking online MBA courses allow me to complete a master degree and enhance my qualification for a job promotion. Demographic Data 1. 1=18-26 2=27-35 3=36-44 4=45-52 5=53 and above Age Gender 1=Male 2=Female 3. Preferred learning styles Select only one (learn best by) 1=Auditory (hearing) 2=Visual (learning) 3=Kinesthetic (doing) 4. Personality Orientation Select only one 1=Introverted (reserved) 2=Extroverted (outgoing) 5. Level of computer expertise 1=Beginner 2=Intermediate 3=Advanced 6. What is GPA? Numeric value 2. Time Line (Action Plan) To prepare for this study, online faculty members will develop multimedia-based learning modules to incorporate innovative technology with sound e-teaching pedagogy. Examples of innovative multimedia-based learning modules include podcasting, stream videos, etc. These multimedia-based learning modules will be incorporated into course design and development for MBA online courses that will be offered for the fall and spring semesters in 2008-2009. To collect primary and secondary data, the researchers and RA will submit an application to the Institutional/Academic Review Board (ARB/IRB) at the Research and Grant office in July 2008 prior to the data collection that will take place in the fall and spring semesters in 2008-2009. To compile a list of online courses, the researchers and RA will contact the UCO Enrollment office via email at the beginning of fall and spring semesters in 2008-2009. The researchers and RA will email participants the cover letter and the consent form as shown in Appendix A. Online MBA students who agree to particpate in the study and sign the consent form will be included in the study. Participants will receive a URL link to login at secure website using an unique identifier to complete the survey. To collect primary data, a researcher-constructed survey will be used. The researchers and RA will construct the Web-based survey to be placed on a secured website, test online data- 23 collection protocols, perform administrative activities to monitor the Website, and download the collected data into SPSS. To answer the research questions and hypotheses, the researchers and RA will import the primary (collected) data from the secure website and secondary data from the UCO Enrollment Office into SPSS at the end of the data collection periods for the fall and spring semesters of 2008-2009. Researchers and RA will conduct statistical analysis and disseminate the findings in May, 2009. To publish the progress and findings, the assigned RA will submit project progress reports twice: one in December, 2008, and one in May, 2009. The completed report will be sent to the UCO Research and Grant Office as well as making it available at the primary investigator’s website in summer 2009. The researchers and RA will also submit the final paper for presentations (including Oklahoma Research Day, national/international conferences), journal publication opportunities, and external funding for further research. 24 Previous Grants Received (on-campus and external) & List of Activities (specifically that have engaged students in RCSA activities during the past 3 years) Dr. Joselina Cheng has collaborated with cross-disciplined faculty members, research assistants, graduate/undergraduate students at UCO and other universities to engage in the following innovative research and scholarly activities. • • • • • • • • • • • • Presentation at the National Faculty Leadership Conference, "Serving students with innovative technology in the 21st Cyber Classrooms," Washington DC, (June 25-28, 2008). Presentations at International of Business and Public Administration Disciplines, “Virtual Tutor for the 21st Cyber Classroom," and “Emergent E-teaching Model for Traditional Brick and Mortar Higher Education Institution” in Dallas (April, 24-27, 2008). Grant award - “E-learning motivators and deterrents” (funded by UCO Research & Grant Office, spring semester, 2008). Grant award – “Innovative technology mini grant funded by UCO Information Technology, spring, 2008). Panel presentation - Moyers, K., Tyner, L., Parrish, R., Ferguson, S., Jeck, P., Noel, D. E., Cheng, J., Southwest Business Symposium, "Innovative Technology for Teaching Business Disciplines," University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK. (March 27, 2008). Presentation at Southwest Business Symposium with titles, "Innovative Technology for Teaching Business Disciplines," “An emergent e-teaching model “, and “Virtual tutor: Pedagogical tool for teaching “, at University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK (March 27, 2008). Transformational Learning Fair, "Using advanced technology to integrate diversity in global e-learning environment” at UCO (2008). Grant award & student supervision - “A correlation study: Online quality and learning outcomes and attrition” (funded by UCO Research & Grant Office, fall, 2007). Study has been completed. Submissions have been made to present at 2008 fall conferences. Presentations at Faculty Enhancement Day, “e-teaching tools,” “Who moved my classrooms,” “Innovative pedagogy,” and “Technological tools to turbo charge classrooms” at UCO, Edmond, Oklahoma (2005-2007). Grant award and presentation- “How to optimize research with advanced technology”, at the second Faculty Summer Institute (funded by UCO faculty Enhancement Center, summer, 2007). Presentation: "Virtual Tutor," and “E-teaching model for traditional brick-and-mortar universities” at International of Business and Public Administration Disciplines, Dallas, Texas (May 2-5, 2007). Study has been completed. Paper had been accepted and presented at international conferences. Paper has been submitted to Cabell journals. Poster presentations at Oklahoma Research Day, "Innovative pedagogy: Virtual Tutor," “E-teaching: A case study of Oklahoma higher education institution”, UCO, Edmond, Oklahoma. (2006- 2007). 25 • • • • Presentation at Southwest Business Symposium, “Virtual tutor: Pedagogical tool for teaching “ at University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK (March 29, 2007) Grant award - “Virtual Tutor” (funded by UCO Research & Grant Office (December, 2006). Grant award - “Innovative use of technology” (funded by UCO Information Technology Center, January, 2005). Grant award for WebCT Title III (funded by UCO Information Technology Center, 2004-2005) Dr. Kelly Moyers has engaged in the following innovative research and scholarly activities with colleagues and students at UCO, St. Joseph’s College of Business in Bangalore, India and with faculty members from other universities from across the country. • Faculty mentor, SEED Forum - Business Plan Competition, Westmont College (2008). • Presentation - Moyers, K., Tyner, L., Parrish, R., Ferguson, S., Jeck, P., Noel, D. E., Cheng, J., Southwest Business Symposium, "Innovative Technology for Teaching Business Disciplines," University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK. (March 27, 2008). • Presentation - Moyers, K., Perry, L., American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences - Annual Conference 2008, "CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT IN AMERICAN BUSINESS COLLEGES: THE POTENTIAL FOR AND IMPACT OF GENDER ISSUES, CULTURAL AND BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES," ASBBS, Las Vegas, NV. (2008). • Presentation at Southwest Business Symposium, "Innovative Technology for Teaching Business Disciplines," “An emergent e-teaching model “, and “Virtual tutor: Pedagogical tool for teaching “, at University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK (2006-2008). • Transformational Learning Fair, "Share Fair - Transformational Learning," UCO (2008). • Grant Award: Innovative technology mini grant - $500.00 - (funded by UCO Information Technology, spring, 2008). • Presentation: "Virtual Tutor" at International of Business and Public Administration Disciplines, Dallas (May 2-5, 2007). • Faculty mentor, D.W. Reynold’s Gov Cup Business Plan Competition, (January 2007 May 2007). • Faculty mentor, NEW VENTURES Business Plan Competition, University of Texas at Tyler, (January 2007 - May 2007). • Supervised Student Research, "UROGEN - business plan development," (2007). 26 Advised: Chaudry Affan, Rodriguez-Pico Michelle, Skaley Matthew • Grant Award: Virtual Tutor, $5,000 grant funded by the UCO Research & Grant Office (December, 2006). • Supervised Student Research, "Determining the Correlation between Employee Satisfaction and Customer Satisfaction in Public Agencies –Do the Organizational Objectives of American Public Agencies Take Job Satisfaction Into Account?," (2006). Students Advised: Shekar Bhavana, Bhattacharyya Devdetta (St. Joseph’s CollegeBangalore, India) Dr. Tim Bridges has engaged in the following innovative research and scholarly activities with colleagues and students at UCO. ● Presentation: (2006). Shrinking Enrollment in MIS: What Can We Do?, Annual Conference 2007, American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences, published in proceedings (vol. 13), ASBBS, Las Vegas, NV. ● Presenter: "VOIP in the Next Ten Years," Research Day 2007, Graduate College, University of Central Oklahoma, (April 6, 2007). ● Presenter: "VOIP: Good for Business?", Research Day 2005, UCO Graduate College, University of Central Oklahoma, (October 2005). ● Presenter: "Learning and Forgetting Curves," Southwest Business Symposium, College of Business Administration, University of Central Oklahoma. (March 2001). ● Unpublished Dissertation: “The Effect of Intermittent Forgetting Upon Learning and Productivity Within Production Systems”, (July 2000), School of Industrial Engineering, University of Oklahoma. ● Faculty Mentor, "What is TQM and How to Implement for Software Production." Student Research, University of Central Oklahoma (August 18, 2003 - December 12, 2003). ● Faculty Mentor, "Benefits of Implementing Total Quality Management in Information Technology," Student Research, University of Central Oklahoma (August 18, 2003 December 12, 2003). ● Faculty Mentor, “Computer System Security in the Small to Medium Sized Business”, Student Research, University of Central Oklahoma (May 2002). 27 FORM TO BE COMPLETED BY EVALUATOR. All proposals will be evaluated by faculty members of the Research Advisory Council (RAC) and Undergraduate Research Creative Activities Team (URCAT). Faculty Name College and Department EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR RA REQUESTS Evaluator: Please rank proposal for each category with “1” being the lowest and “10” being the highest. Provide a brief justification for scores. Clear description of narrative with literature citations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Comments/justification: Originality & creativity 1 2 3 Comments/justification: Feasibility / probability of accomplishment / realistic timeline 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 Comments/justification: Methodology / process / procedures 1 2 3 4 5 Comments/justification: Significance / value of the project (contribution to the discipline) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 Comments/justification: Justification and utilization of student(s) in project 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Comments/justification: Reviewer: Total Score Please Sign and date the back of this evaluation form. Overall Evaluation Strengths of proposal: Areas for improvement of proposal: 28