Department of Agricultural Education & Studies

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Graduate Programs: Greg Miller 515-294-2583 / Undergraduate Programs: Mike Retallick 515-294-4810

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Graduate Student Scholarly Work

 

Teig, P. M. (2003) Agricultural educator’s perceptions on the role of distance education in the mission of United States public higher education. Doctoral dissertation.

The resurgence of distance education, with the introduction of computer and communication technologies, has brought to the forefront the need for higher education to change the way it engages the lifelong learner. In addition, there is need to revisit the importance of the traditional land-grant mission in public higher education as universities and colleges seek to deliver education to the lifelong learner regardless of location or time. Distance education is becoming viewed as a means of meeting societal needs for lifelong learning.

In light of the Kellogg Commission report, the purpose of this research project was to assess the role of distance education in the mission of United States public higher education as perceived by university and college agricultural educators. Agricultural educators, from across the United States, were used as a starting point to identify the role distance education is playing in the mission, vision, goals, and strategic plans at their institutions. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of agriculture educators toward the inclusion of distance education in higher education. The secondary purpose was to identify and examine factors affecting the organizational structure, faculty concerns, and the inclusion of distance education in the mission, vision, and goals and the change process. In order to meet the purpose and objectives of this study the following research questions were asked:

1. What factors affect respondents’ decision to participate in distance education?
2. Is there a clear understanding regarding the role of distance education in the mission, vision, and goal statement by agriculture educators?
3. Is the traditional land-grant mission guiding distance education changes?
4. What are the key factors involved in the organizational culture as perceived by agriculture educators?
5. In what ways can the basic model of organizational change be enhanced?