Professional Educators’ Perceptions of Implementing Virtual Education in a Rural Georgia School District
Loading...
Authors
Williams, Lisa N.
Issue Date
2017-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Distance Education , Rural schools , Georgia Virtual School , Internet in Education , Educational leadership , Educational change
Alternative Title
Abstract
The researcher examined the experiences of a virtual program implementation team at a rural Georgia school district with limited resources. One strategy schools are employing to increase student access and achievement is the implementation of an online educational program, specifically Georgia Virtual School [GaVS]. Rural school districts with limited resources have been restricted in their ability to implement GaVS effectively (Hall, 2015; Tankersley, 2006). A basic interpretive study was utilized as the research design for the study coupled with Cavanaugh’s (2009) theory of virtual learning as an educational alternative. Waters, Marzano, and McNulty’s (2003) leadership framework theory served as the additional supporting theoretical framework. The researcher interviewed six professional educators using a three-interview series to understand interpretation and meaning of their experiences implementing the GaVS program (Seidman, 2006). Data analysis utilizing memos, categorizing, connecting strategies, document analysis, and constant comparative method produced two main themes: expanding educational opportunities for students and integrating resources and support. Integrating resources and support included three sub-themes: school leadership and the GaVS program, virtual school counseling and technical support, and ensuring compliance of state virtual learning mandates and GaVS oversight. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended prospective rural school districts implementing a virtual learning program focus on program pre-planning, with special focus on employee training and the availability of technology required for an online learning platform. The greatest barrier for the participants was developing new leadership practices and school counseling practices to meet the new demands of virtual education.
Description
Citation
Williams, Lisa N. "Professional Educators’ Perceptions of Implementing Virtual Education in a Rural Georgia School District," PhD. Diss. Valdosta State University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10428/2861.