Date of Degree

12-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program

Education

Advisor

Noah Kasraie

Advisor

Jeannie Scott

Advisor

Angelina Galvez-Kiser

Advisor

Norman St. Clair

Abstract

The philosopher Plato in his Seventh Epistle argued that the technology of writing is an insufficient means of society conveying knowledge and obtaining truth (Neel, 1988). Many insights from his rhetorical works however are etched in history by this technology. As society moves further into the information age, the relevance of blended learning in higher education is taking on greater significance (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008). Higher education institutions are on the verge of another significant paradigm shift in the dissemination of knowledge and truth. Understanding the shift to new computer-mediated means of knowledge delivery through blended learning experiences requires an understanding of the perceptions held by both the instructor and student. This quantitative research study used a survey questionnaire to obtain feedback from faculty and students at a private liberal arts university on their perceptions of the use, frequency, readiness, and satisfaction with web-based technology in a blended learning environment. To obtain greater insight to student and faculty perceptions, quantitative and qualitative data was collected through an online survey distributed to faculty and students during the spring semester of 2016. Descriptive data was analyzed using IBM’s SPSS statistical tool and reported out. Results of this study indicate close agreement of student and faculty on perceptions of satisfaction with the frequency, use, and satisfaction with the web-based tools used in the course of a blended learning class. There is however, a significant difference in the way faculty perceived their preparedness with web-based technology used in the classroom and how students perceived faculty’s preparedness.

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