Administrative Considerations Impacting the Quality of Online Teaching
While content and pedagogical knowledge are the foundation of quality instruction, there are a number of administrative, policy, and operational factors that influence instructional behaviors. Understanding the influence (positive or negative) of operational functions on teaching and learning can help inform policies, procedures, and support to maximize the teaching and learning dynamic in the online classroom. Survey and interview data were gathered from online full-time and adjunct faculty (n=223). Survey findings indicated that both full-time and adjunct faculty perceive advance notice of course changes as having great impact on teaching effectiveness. Interview findings illuminate Learning Management Software, faculty support, curriculum, and communication as holding greatest importance for administrative consideration of teaching effectiveness. Administrators can use this information to make key policy and process decisions that focus on improving the quality of online teaching.
