Vol. 39 No. 2 (2024)
Research Articles

Rethinking Teacher Education: The Impact of a K-12 Online Learning Curriculum on In-Service Teachers

Mary Azukas
Bio
Michael K Barbour
Touro University, California
Bio

Published 2024-12-21

How to Cite

Azukas, M., & Barbour, M. K. (2024). Rethinking Teacher Education: The Impact of a K-12 Online Learning Curriculum on In-Service Teachers. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education Revue Internationale Du E-Learning Et La Formation à Distance, 39(2). https://doi.org/10.55667/10.55667/ijede.2024.v39.i2.1339

Abstract

This action research study examines the integration of K-12 online learning curriculum in a graduate instructional technology course aimed at preparing in-service teachers for online teaching environments. Through a cycle of curriculum implementation, data collection, and analysis, the study highlights the evolution of teachers' perceptions, identifying both the benefits and challenges of online education. Findings suggest that curriculum changes can significantly impact teachers' understanding and attitudes, though the study is limited by its small sample size and single-site context. Despite these limitations, the study offers valuable insights for teacher education programs seeking to incorporate online teaching components. Future research should consider expanding to multiple sites and updating curriculum content to reflect post-pandemic experiences in digital learning environments.

Keywords: teacher education, online learning, higher education innovation, digital learning curriculum, graduate education, instructional technology, online learning curriculum

Repenser la formation des enseignants : L’impact d’un programme d’apprentissage en ligne, pour les niveaux préscolaire, primaire et secondaire, sur les enseignants en exercice

Résumé: Cette recherche-action étudie l'intégration d'un programme d'apprentissage en ligne allant du préscolaire au secondaire dans un cours de technologie éducative de niveau supérieur destiné à préparer les enseignants en exercice aux environnements d'enseignement en ligne. À travers un cycle d'implémentation du programme, de collecte et d'analyse de données, l'étude met en lumière l'évolution des perceptions des enseignants, identifiant à la fois les avantages et les défis de l'éducation en ligne. Les résultats suggèrent que les modifications curriculaires peuvent influencer significativement la compréhension et les attitudes des enseignants. Bien que l'étude soit limitée par la taille réduite de son échantillon et son contexte unique, elle offre des perspectives précieuses pour les programmes de formation des enseignants souhaitant intégrer des composantes d'enseignement en ligne. Les recherches futures devraient envisager d'étendre l'étude à plusieurs sites et de mettre à jour le contenu du programme pour refléter les expériences post-pandémiques dans les environnements d'apprentissage numérique.

Mots-clés : formation des enseignants, apprentissage en ligne, innovation dans l'enseignement supérieur, programme d'apprentissage numérique, formation supérieure, technologie éducative, programme d'apprentissage en ligne

References

  1. Al-Ansi, A. (2022). Investigating characteristics of learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 48(1). https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt28051
  2. Archambault, L., Kennedy, K., Shelton, C., Dalal, M., McAllister, L., & Huyett, S. (2016). Incremental progress: Re-examining field experiences in K-12 online learning contexts in the United States. Journal of Online Learning Research, 2(3), 303–326. https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/174116/
  3. Archibald, D., Barbour, M. K., Leary, H., Wilson, E. V., & Ostashewski, N. (2020, July). Teacher education and K-12 online learning. Canadian eLearning Network. https://k12sotn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/k12ol-teacher-ed.pdf
  4. Azukas, M. E. (2020). Teaching in the time of COVID. Journal of Applied Professional Studies, 2, 1–11. https://c-cluster-110.uploads.documents.cimpress.io/v1/uploads/78e974fd-e9b6-4236-8e19-cc69ae79d139~110/original?tenant=vbu-digital
  5. Azukas, M. E., & Barbour, M. K. (2021). In-service teachers’ perceptions of K-12 online learning: An action research project. International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design, 11(4), 61–81. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJOPCD.2021100105
  6. Barbour, M. K. (2012). Training teachers for a virtual school system: A call to action. In D. Polly, C. Mims, & K. Persichitte (Eds.), Developing technology-rich teacher education programs: Key issues (pp. 499–517). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-4502-8.ch081
  7. Barbour, M. K. (2019). The landscape of K-12 online learning: Examining the state of the field. In M. G. Moore & W. C. Diehl (Eds.), Handbook of distance education (4th ed.) (pp. 521–542). Routledge.
  8. Barbour, M. K. (2020). Misbehaving toddler or moody teenager: Examining the maturity of the field of K-12 online learning. Revista de Educación a Distancia, 64(20).
  9. http://dx.doi.org/10.6018/red.412821
  10. Barbour, M. K., & Hodges, C. B. (2023). Digital teacher education for a better future: Recommendations for teacher preparation for an online environment. In M. Brown & O. Farrell (Eds.), Proceedings of the 2023 European Distance Education Network, Dublin, Ireland. https://doi.org/10.5334/uproc.92
  11. Barbour, M. K., & Hodges, C. B. (2024). Preparing teachers to teach online: A critical issue for teacher education. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 32(1), 5–27. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/223927/
  12. Barbour, M. K., Hodges, C., Trust, T., LaBonte, R., Moore, S., Bond, A., Kelly, K., Lockee, B., & Hill, P. (2020, December). Understanding pandemic pedagogy: Differences between emergency remote, remote, and online teaching. Canadian E-Learning Network. http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.31848.70401
  13. Barbour, M. K., & Reeves, T. C. (2009). The reality of virtual schools: A review of the literature. Computers and Education, 52(2), 402–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2008.09.009
  14. Barbour, M. K., & Siko, J. P. (2020). Advancing a curriculum toward improved online nurturing of K-12 students. i-manager's Journal of Educational Technology, 16(4). 20–32. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.16.4.16560
  15. Barbour, M. K., Siko, J., Gross, E., & Waddell, K. (2013). Virtually unprepared: Examining the preparation of K-12 online teachers. In R. Hartshorne, T. L. Heafner, & T. M. Petty (Eds.), Teacher education programs and online learning tools: Innovations in teacher preparation (pp. 60–81). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-1906-7.ch004
  16. Barbour, M. K., & Unger, K. (2009). Challenging teachers’ preconceptions, misconceptions, and concerns of virtual schooling. In I. Gibson, R. Weber, K. McFerrin, R. Carlsen, & D. A. Willis (Eds.), Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (pp. 785–790). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/30698/
  17. Barbour, M. K., & Unger-Harrison, K. (2016). Teachers’ perceptions of K-12 online: Impacting the design of a graduate course curriculum. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 45(1), 74–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239516637072
  18. Bartlett, L. (2022). Specifying hybrid models of teachers’ work during COVID-19. Educational Researcher, 51(2), 152–155. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X211069399
  19. Boyatzis, R. (1988). Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development. Sage.
  20. Carver, L. B. (2016). Teacher perception of barriers and benefits in K-12 technology usage. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 15(1), 110–116. http://tojet.net/articles/v15i1/15111.pdf
  21. Cavanaugh, C., & DeWeese, A. (2020). Understanding the professional learning and support needs of educators during the initial weeks of pandemic school closures through search terms and content use. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 28(2), 233–238. https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/216073/
  22. Clark, T., & Berge, Z. L. (2005). Virtual schools: Planning for success. Teachers College Press.
  23. Clausen, J. M. (2020). Leadership for technology infusion: Guiding change and sustaining progress in teacher preparation. In A. C. Borthwick, T. S. Foulger, & K. J. Graziano (Eds.), Championing technology infusion in teacher preparation: A framework for supporting future educators (pp. 171–189). International Society for Technology in Education.
  24. Compton, L., Davis, N., & Correia, A. P. (2010). Pre‐service teachers’ preconceptions, misconceptions, and concerns about virtual schooling. Distance Education, 31(1), 37–54. https://doi:10.1080/01587911003725006
  25. Craig, D. V. (2009). Action research essentials. Wiley.
  26. Crompton, H., Burke, D., Jordan, K., & Wilson, S. (2022). Support provided for K-12 teachers teaching remotely with technology during emergencies: A systematic review. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 54(3), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1899877
  27. Davis, N. E., & Roblyer, M. D. (2005). Virtual schooling. Learning and Leading with Technology, 34(7), 10–15. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ779830.pdf
  28. Davis, N. E., Roblyer, M. D., Charania, A., Ferdig, R., Harms, C., Compton, L. K. L., & Cho, M. O. (2007). Illustrating the “virtual” in virtual schooling: Challenges and strategies for creating real tools to prepare virtual teachers. The Internet and Higher Education, 10(1), 27–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2006.11.001
  29. Digital Learning Collaborative. (2021). eLearning days: A scan of policy and practice. Evergreen Education Group. https://www.digitallearningcollab.com
  30. Digital Learning Collaborative. (2024). Snapshot 2024: The post-pandemic digital learning landscape emerges. Evergreen Education Group. https://www.digitallearningcollab.com/snapshot-2024
  31. Donnelly, R., & Patrinos, H. A. (2022). Learning loss during Covid-19: An early systematic review. Prospects, 51(4), 601–609. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-021-09582-6
  32. Engzell, P., Frey, A., & Verhagen, M. D. (2021, April 7). Learning loss due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences PNAS, 118(17) 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2022376118
  33. Ersin, P., Atay, D., & Mede, E. (2020). Boosting preservice teachers’ competence and online teaching readiness through e-practicum during the COVID-19 outbreak. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 2(2), 112–124. http://dx.doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2020.09.09
  34. Farhadi, B., & Winton, S. (2021). Building a plane while flying: Crisis policy enactment during COVID-19 in Alberta secondary schools. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 15(2), 117–132. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v15i2.6725
  35. Francom, G. M., Lee, S. J., & Pinkney, H. (2021, June). Technologies, challenges and needs of K-12 teachers in the transition to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. TechTrends, 65(4), 589–601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-021-00625-5
  36. Franko, K. (2021, August 10). Pandemic prompts changes in how future teachers are trained. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-education-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-f2dabbf25ac4a074360ec80671971f56
  37. Friend, B., & Johnston, S. (2005). Florida virtual school: A choice for all students. In Z. L. Berge & T. Clark (Eds.), Virtual schools: Planning for success (pp. 97–117). Teachers College Press.
  38. Gile, M. (2021, August 12). 38 states setting up permanent virtual schools after pandemic sparked interest. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/38-states-setting-permanent-virtual-schools-after-pandemic-sparked-interest-1618894
  39. Graziano, K. J., & Bryans-Bongey, S. (2018). Surveying the national landscape of online teacher training in K–12 teacher preparation programs. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 34(4), 259–277. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21532974.2018.1498040
  40. Gulosino, C., & Miron, G. (2017, December 18). Growth and performance of fully online and blended K-12 public schools. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 25, 124. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.25.2859
  41. Hill, C., Rosehart, P., St. Helene, J., & Sadhra, S. (2020). What kind of educator does the world need today? Reimagining teacher education in post-pandemic Canada. Journal of Education for Teaching, 46(4), 565–575. https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2020.1797439
  42. Hodges, C. B., & Barbour, M. K. (2024). Pre-service teachers' preparation for teaching online: Past practices and future needs. In T. Martindale, T. B. Amankwatia, L. D. Cifuentes, & A. A. Piña (Eds.). Handbook of research in online learning. Brill Publishing, pp. 307–338. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/9789004702813_013
  43. Hodges, C. B., Barbour, M., & Ferdig, R. E. (2022). A 2025 vision for building access to K-12 online and blended learning in pre-service teacher education. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 30(2), 201–216. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/221153/
  44. Howard, S. K., Tondeur, J., Siddiq, F., & Scherer, R. (2021). Ready, set, go! Profiling teachers’ readiness for online teaching in secondary education. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 30(1), 141–158. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1475939X.2020.1839543
  45. Johnson, C. C., Walton, J. B., Strickler, L., & Elliott, J. B. (2023). Online teaching in K-12 education in the United States: A systematic review. Review of Educational Research, 93(3), 353–411. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543221105550
  46. Johnson, N. (2023). An increasing demand for technology use in teaching and learning: 2023 pan-Canadian report on digital learning trends in Canadian post-secondary education. Canadian Digital Learning Research Association. https://www.cdlra-acrfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Pan-Canadian-Report-EN.pdf
  47. Kennedy, K., & Archambault, L. (2012a). Offering preservice teachers field experiences in K-12 online learning: A national survey of teacher education programs. Journal of Teacher Education, 63(3), 185–200. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487111433651
  48. Kennedy, K., & Archambault, L. (Eds.). (2012b). Lessons learned in teacher mentoring: Supporting educators in K-12 online learning environments. International Association for K-12 Online Learning. https://aurora-institute.org/resource/lessons-learned-in-teacher-mentoring-supporting-educators-in-k-12-online-learning-environments/
  49. Kennedy, K., & Archambault, L. (Eds.). (2013). Partnering for success: A 21st century model for teacher preparation. International Association for K-12 Online Learning. https://aurora-institute.org/resource/partnering-for-success-a-21st-century-model-for-teacher-preparation/
  50. Lahr, E. & Welch, S. (2023). Calling for changes in pre-service teacher education to prepare for more than face-to-face teaching: Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic. In A. S. Zimmerman (Ed.), Research, practice, and innovations in teacher education during a virtual age (pp. 158–174). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5316-2.ch009
  51. Machusky, J. A., & Herbert-Berger, K. G. (2022). Understanding online learning infrastructure in US K-12 schools: A review of challenges and emerging trends. International Journal of Educational Research, 114(101993). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2022.101993
  52. Mann, B., Li, W., & Besnoy, K. (2021). Digital divides: K-12 student profiles and online learning. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 29(112). https://epaa.asu.edu/index.php/epaa/article/view/6351
  53. Martin, F., Bacak, J., Polly, D., & Dymes, L. (2023). A systematic review of research on K12 online teaching and learning: Comparison of research from two decades 2000 to 2019. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 55(2), 190–209. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1940396
  54. Mertler, C. A. (2020). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed.). Sage.
  55. Moore-Adams, B. L., Jones, W. M., & Cohen, J. (2016). Learning to teach online: A systematic review of the literature on K-12 teacher preparation for teaching online. Distance Education, 37(3), 333–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2016.1232158
  56. Moscoviz, L., & Evans, D. K. (2022). Learning loss and student dropouts during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A review of the evidence two years after schools shut down. The Center for Global Development. https://www.ungei.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/learning-loss-and-student-dropouts-during-covid-19-pandemic-review-evidence-two-years.pdf
  57. Ong, P. M. (2020). COVID-19 and the digital divide in virtual learning. UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/07g5r002
  58. Reich, J. (2021, February 22). Ed tech’s failure during the pandemic, and what comes after. Phi Delta Kappan (102)6. https://doi.org/10.1177/0031721721998149
  59. Rice, K., & Dawley, L. (2007). Going virtual! The status of professional development for K-12 online teachers. Boise State University.
  60. Schroeder, B. (2019, August 14). Disrupting education: The rise of K-12 online and the entrepreneurial opportunities. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernhardschroeder/2019/08/14/disrupting-education-the-rise-of-k-12-online-and-the-entrepreneurial-opportunities
  61. Short, C. R., Graham, C. R., Holmes, T., Oviatt, L., & Bateman, H. (2021). Preparing teachers to teach in K-12 blended environments: A systematic mapping review of research trends, impact, and themes. TechTrends, 65(6), 993–1009. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-021-00626-4
  62. Siko, J. P., & Barbour, M. K. (2022). Is it any wonder, I reject you first: Pre-pandemic perceptions of K-12 online learning. TechTrends, 66(2), 301–309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00709-w
  63. Stringer, E. (2004). Action research in education. Pearson.
  64. Stringer, E. T., & Aragón, A. O. (2020). Action research. (5th ed.). Sage.
  65. Tawfik, A. A., Shepherd, C. E., Gatewood, J., & Gish-Lieberman, J. J. (2021, August). First and second order barriers to teaching in K-12 online learning. TechTrends, 65(6), 925–938. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-021-00648-y
  66. Trust, T. & Whalen, J. (2021). K-12 teachers’ experiences and challenges with using technology for emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Italian Journal of Educational Technology, 29(2), 10–25. https://doi.org/10.17471/2499-4324/1192
  67. Van Nuland, S., Mandzuk, D., Tucker Petrick, K., & Cooper, T. (2020). COVID-19 and its effects on teacher education in Ontario: A complex adaptive systems perspective. Journal of Education for Teaching, 46(4), 442–451. https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2020.1803050
  68. Webb, C. L., Kohler, K. L., & Piper, R. E. (2021). Teachers’ preparedness and professional learning about using educational technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Online Learning Research, 7(2), 113–132. https://www.learntechlib.org/p/219065/
  69. Woo, L. J., Archambault, L., & Borup, J. (2023). Exploring the evolution of field experiences in P-12 online settings: A systematic review of studies from 2007–2022. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2023.2237612