Submitted by Alexandre Soares (alexandredesoares@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-07-19T18:55:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ana_claudia_gon?alves_de_sa_jardim.pdf: 2780597 bytes, checksum: d9eec1a8b0363d83a670e343e46db8d0 (MD5) / Rejected by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br), reason: Rever: Refer?ncia ABNT Tipo Nota de disserta??o/Tese Resumos Palavra Chave Ag?ncia Financiadora http://acervo.ufvjm.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/559 on 2016-07-21T16:41:55Z (GMT) / Submitted by Alexandre Soares (alexandredesoares@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-08-25T11:56:49Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ana_claudia_gon?alves_de_sa_jardim.pdf: 2780597 bytes, checksum: d9eec1a8b0363d83a670e343e46db8d0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2016-08-25T14:34:29Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ana_claudia_gon?alves_de_sa_jardim.pdf: 2780597 bytes, checksum: d9eec1a8b0363d83a670e343e46db8d0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-25T14:34:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ana_claudia_gon?alves_de_sa_jardim.pdf: 2780597 bytes, checksum: d9eec1a8b0363d83a670e343e46db8d0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / O trabalho apresentado teve como objetivo analisar a evas?o dos cursos a dist?ncia do Profuncion?rio, ministrados no Polo Sede de Te?filo Otoni do Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais, no ?mbito da Rede e-Tec Brasil. A investiga??o e a avalia??o dos fatores que levam ? decis?o do aluno em desistir de um curso a distancia ? quest?o relevante para as institui??es de ensino, para que, mediante o seu conhecimento, se possam tra?ar medidas eficazes na redu??o dos ?ndices. Foi utilizado para tais finalidades, o m?todo de estudo de caso, com uma abordagem quali-quantitativa, por meio de entrevistas com os tutores e coordenadores dos cursos EaD do Polo sede da Institui??o, bem como com os alunos evadidos, al?m de pesquisa documental e levantamento bibliogr?fico para compor o referencial te?rico. Os dados coletados atrav?s do levantamento (survey) foram analisados com o suporte da estat?stica descritiva, e servir?o de base para a??es futuras da institui??o. A partir da an?lise dos percentuais e motivos, a pesquisa revelou que foram os aspectos ex?genos os maiores causadores da evas?o nos cursos, com predomin?ncia da falta de tempo dos alunos para estudar, fazer as atividades e participar do curso, a sobrecarga e ac?mulo de atividades no trabalho, carga hor?ria de trabalho intensa, dificuldade em conciliar encontros presenciais com os s?bados letivos do calend?rio escolar e dificuldades em acompanhar o desenvolvimento do curso. / Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Educa??o, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2015. / The work presented aims to analyze the avoidance of distance learning courses of Profuncion?rio, taught at the Te?filo Otoni headquarters of the Federal Institute of North of Minas Gerais, within the Network e-Tec Brazil. The investigation and evaluation of the factors that lead to the student's decision to give up a distance learning course is the issue relevant to the educational institutions so that, through your knowledge, it can draw effective measures in reducing rates. It was used for such purposes, the case study method, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, through interviews with tutors and coordinators of EaD courses of the Polo Institution headquarters, as well as the dropout students, and documentary research and literature to compose the theoretical framework. The data collected through the survey were analyzed with the support of descriptive statistics, and form the basis for future actions of the institution. From the analysis of the percentage and reasons, the survey revealed that were exogenous aspects of the main causes of evasion in the courses, especially the lack of student?s time to study, do the activities and participate in the course, the overhead and activities accumulation at work, hours of intense work, difficulties in reconciling face meetings with academic Saturdays of the school year and difficulties in following the development of the course.

Submitted by Valdinei Souza (neisouza@hotmail.com) on 2016-10-03T20:03:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO FRANCIS ROSE MIRANDA TEIXEIRA 2015.pdf: 1764698 bytes, checksum: fce5916e16297525ddd207e3fad35093 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Urania Araujo (urania@ufba.br) on 2016-10-04T19:30:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO FRANCIS ROSE MIRANDA TEIXEIRA 2015.pdf: 1764698 bytes, checksum: fce5916e16297525ddd207e3fad35093 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-04T19:30:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO FRANCIS ROSE MIRANDA TEIXEIRA 2015.pdf: 1764698 bytes, checksum: fce5916e16297525ddd207e3fad35093 (MD5) / A mediação em sistemas de informação na educação a distância (EaD) constituem a temática dessa dissertação que teve como escopo verificar como se dá a mediação e apropriação da informação e do conhecimento na EaD. Assim os objetivos específicos buscou-se na literatura conceitos e indicadores de avaliação do processo de mediação da informação em projetos de EaD; analisar os projetos de EaD selecionados para a pesquisa - aulas, fluxo, monitoramento entre outros componentes – para caracterizar o processo de mediação utilizado nos mesmos; analisar a percepção de mediadores e de usuários de EaD sobre o processo de mediação utilizado durante o acionamento dos cursos; comparar os modelos de mediação da informação utilizados nos cursos de EaD, selecionados para a pesquisa, com os modelos teóricos de comportamento do usuário apresentados no referencial teórico. Quanto ao nível de investigação a pesquisa caracterizou-se como exploratória, adotan do o estudo de caso duplo como método, associado ao documental, numa abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa para a análise dos dados. Os sujeitos da pesquisa são estudantes, tutores e professores da graduação em pedagogia na EaD nas faculdades UNO e UNI (nome fictício). Como instrumento de coleta de dados foram utilizadas fichas de coleta de dados e questionários. Para execução da pesquisa, foram investigados o perfil dos estudantes; o curso na modalidade EaD; os materiais informacionais para estudo; o comportamento dos usuários; as fontes de informação utilizadas, o acesso e uso do AVA; a conduta pedagógica adotada; a mediação realizada durante a tutoria: a comunicação utilizada entre professores e alunos; e a opinião em relação ao curso ofertado; e a sua formação para o mercado.Os resultados apontam, que alunos e professores veem o curso de pedagogia de forma positiva, embora haja por parte de alguns, questões a serem melhoradas como: material didático, o conteúdo a ser estudado, a interação e a mediação em sala d aula. O material disponibilizado tem conteúdo significativo, o que entendemos que o que é ofertado para estudo é satisfatório contudo pode ser melhorado. Tais observações apresentadas por alunos e tutores podem propiciar uma possível ressignificação dos materiais e conteúdos ofertados bem como as teorias, e a mediação concebida pelo tutor no sentido de aprimorá-la. / ABSTRACT Mediation in information systems in distance education (EaD) are the subject of this dissertation that had as scope verify how is mediation and appropriation of information and knowledge in distance education (EaD) . So the specific objectives sought in the evaluation of literature concepts and indicators of information mediation process in distance education projects(EaD); analyze the distance education projects (EaD) selected for the research - classes, flow monitoring and other components - to characterize the mediation process used therein; analyze the perception of mediators and distance education (EaD) of users on the mediation process used for operating the courses; comparing the information models of mediation used in distance education courses (EaD), selected for the research, with theoretical models of user behavior presented in the theoretical framework. For the search level of investigation was characterized as exploratory, adopting the double case study as a method associated with the document, a qualitative and quantitative approach to data analysis. The research subjects are students, tutors and graduate teachers in pedagogy in distance education (EaD) in colleges and UNO UNI (imaginary name). As data collection instrument data collection forms were used and questionnaires. To conduct the research, the profile of the students were investigated; the course in distance education mode (EaD); informational materials for study; user behavior; the sources of information, access and use of AVA; the pedagogical approach adopted; mediation held during the tutoring: the communication used between teachers and students;and opinion regarding the offered course; and their training for marketplace. The results show that students and teachers see the pedagogy course positively, although there is by some, issues to be improved as courseware, content to be studied, interaction and mediation in the classroom. The available material has significant content, we understand that what is offered for study is satisfactory but can be improved. Such comments from students and tutors can provide a possible redefinition of the offered materials and content as well as the theories and mediation designed by the tutor in order to improve it.

A evolução das tecnologias impulsionou novas descobertas e alterações no setor educacional. Formar crianças e jovens para superar os desafios do século vigente requer o desenvolvimento de um conjunto de competências necessárias para aprender, viver, conviver e trabalhar em um mundo cada vez mais complexo. Neste sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os impactos da implementação de uma nova arquitetura pedagógica no projeto Melhor Aprendiz II, a partir da abordagem dos modelos pedagógicos e aprendizagem significativa. Para o alcance do objetivo proposto, foi realizada revisão bibliográfica sobre a educação no século XXI, educação a distância, modelos pedagógicos na educação a distância e aprendizagem significativa. O método adotado contou com o estudo de caso único do projeto Melhor Aprendiz II, cujos dados foram coletados e catalogados por meio de entrevistas e focusgroupcom os principais envolvidos, além da legislação e de documentos fornecidos pela SOMOS Educação. A análise foi realizada com base em dados de Miles, Huberman e Saldaña (2014), que foram coletados, condensados, exibidos e, por fim, elaboradas as conclusões. Entre os principais resultados encontrados, percebeu-se que a implementação de uma nova arquitetura pedagógica no projeto Melhor Aprendiz II gerou impactos a partir da abordagem dos modelos pedagógicos e aprendizagem significativa. Do ponto de vista de conteúdo, a implementação de novos conteúdos e a preocupação com qualidade estimulou a aprendizagem de maneira significativa. Adicionalmente, notou-se que a escolha do aluno em aprender está diretamente relacionada ao seu conhecimento prévio. Constatou-se, ainda, que a autorregulação do aluno aumenta sua vontade de aprender, o que também é impulsionado pela utilização de material significativo e aulas estruturadas. Por fim, do ponto de vista dos aspectos tecnológicos, auferiu-se que a plataforma apresenta inúmeras funcionalidades que são valorizadas por alunos e tutores, contudo, é necessário que sejam realizados treinamentos e capacitações sobre a utilização da plataforma. / The evolution of technologies has fueled new discoveries and changes in the education sector. Preparing children and young people to overcome the challenges of the current century requires the development of a set of skills for learning, living, working and getting along with others in an increasingly complex world. In this sense, the goal of this study is to evaluate the impacts of the implementation of a new pedagogic architecture for \"MelhorAprendiz\" Project. In order to reach the proposed objective, a bibliographical review on education in the 21st century was carried out, focusing as distance education, pedagogical models in distance education, and meaningful learning. The single case study focused on the \"MelhorAprendiz\" project, whose data were collected and catalogued through interviews and focus groups with the main stakeholders, in addition to the legislation and documents provided by SOMOS Education. Data analysis used the method of Miles, Huberman, &Saldaña (2014), which provided a framework for collecting, condensing, displaying and elaborating conclusions. Among the main results, we noticed that the implementation of a new pedagogical architecture for \"MelhorAprendiz\" project generated impacts based on pedagogical models and significant learning. In terms of content, both the implementation of new content and the concern with quality have generated learning in a meaningful way. Additionally, we observed that the students\' choices in learning are directly related to their previous knowledge. We found that self-regulation increases students\' will to learn, which is also driven by the use of significant material and structured classes. Finally, from a technological point of view, data has shown that the platform displays many functionalities that are valued by students and tutors. However, platform use training is required.

Submitted by Geandra Rodrigues (geandrar@gmail.com) on 2017-12-20T14:20:33Z No. of bitstreams: 1 gillianmarianalucianovolpato.pdf: 1468814 bytes, checksum: 8f63de31bba37ac8141160c75b3dda92 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-12-21T11:05:22Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 gillianmarianalucianovolpato.pdf: 1468814 bytes, checksum: 8f63de31bba37ac8141160c75b3dda92 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-21T11:05:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 gillianmarianalucianovolpato.pdf: 1468814 bytes, checksum: 8f63de31bba37ac8141160c75b3dda92 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-28 / A presente dissertação foi desenvolvida no âmbito do Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Avaliação da Educação (PPGP) do Centro de Políticas Públicas e Avaliação da Educação da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). O caso estudado discute a formação continuada dos tutores a distância dos cursos da UFJF assessorados pelo CEAD e a atuação do Coordenador de Tutoria nesse processo. Os objetivos definidos para este estudo foram descrever os modelos pedagógicos dos cursos a distância da UFJF e o papel do Coordenador de Tutoria relativamente à formação de tutores no interior de cada curso; conhecer e analisar as demandas formativas dos tutores dos cursos a distância da UFJF, de acordo com os diferentes modelos pedagógicos dos cursos; e, por fim, propor um Plano de Ação Educacional (PAE) que estivesse de acordo com essas demandas. Assumimos como hipótese de pesquisa a existência de uma lacuna na formação dos tutores a distância nos cursos da UFJF, a qual foi ratificada no primeiro capítulo, por meio de uma sondagem inicial realizada com os Coordenadores de curso e Coordenadores de Tutoria. Utilizamos como metodologia o estudo de caso de caráter qualitativo, em que adotamos os instrumentos da entrevista semiestruturada com os Coordenadores de Curso e de Tutoria e do questionário aplicado aos tutores a distância atuantes nos cursos. Assim, no segundo capítulo foram analisados os dados obtidos na pesquisa de campo com base nos eixos temáticos da formação dos educadores e a tutoria a distância. Pudemos observar com maior profundidade as fragilidades na condução das formações no interior dos cursos, uma indefinição de quem seria o responsável pelas ações de formação continuada, bem como um envolvimento dos Coordenadores de Curso e de Tutoria mais nas questões administrativas e burocráticas dos cursos do que nas questões pedagógicas ligadas à formação dos tutores. Tendo em vista os dados encontrados na pesquisa de campo, configuramos o terceiro capítulo da dissertação composto pelo PAE, o qual concatenamos as demandas de formação específicas encontradas em cada curso com as ações propositivas na criação de um Ambiente Virtual de Formação Continuada, considerando o perfil dos tutores, a flexibilidade de tempo e espaço do ambiente virtual, o lócus de atuação dos atores da EaD e a potencialidade da Plataforma Moodle para as questões de formação e comunicação. Assim, as ações propostas no terceiro capítulo têm o intuito de viabilizar o estabelecimento de uma política de formação continuada dos atores que fazem a EaD na UFJF. / The present dissertation was developed within the scope of the Professional Master in Management and Evaluation of Education (PPGP) of the Center for Public Policies and Education Evaluation of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (CAEd / UFJF). The case studied will discuss the continued formation of the tutors from the distance courses of the UFJF advised by CEAD, and the role of the Tutoring Coordinator in this process. The objectives defined for this study were: firstly, to describe the pedagogical models of the distance education courses offered by UFJF and the role of the Tutoring Coordinator in relation to the training of tutors within each course; secondly, to get to know and to analyze the formative demands of the tutors of the distance courses of the UFJF, according to the different pedagogical models of the courses; and finally, to propose an Educational Action Plan (EAP) that was in accordance with these demands. We assume as a research hypothesis the existence of a gap in the training of distance tutors in the courses of the UFJF, which was ratified in the first chapter, through an initial survey conducted with the Course Coordinators and Tutoring Coordinators. The methodology used was the qualitative case study, in which we adopted the instruments of the semi-structured interview with the Course and Tutorial Coordinators and the questionnaire applied to the distance tutors in the courses. Thus, the second chapter analyzed the data obtained in field research based on the thematic axes of educator training and distance mentoring. We were able to observe in greater depth the weaknesses in the conduct of the courses from within, a lack of definition of who would be responsible for the ongoing training actions, as well as an involvement of the Course and Tutorial Coordinators more in the administrative and bureaucratic matters of the courses than Pedagogical issues related to the training of tutors. Considering the data found in the field research, we configured the third chapter of the dissertation composed by the EAP, in which we concatenate the specific training demands found in each course with the propositive actions in the creation of a Virtual Environment of Continuing Education, considering the profile of the tutors, the flexibility of time and space of the virtual environment, the locus of acting of the actors of the distance education and the potentiality of the Moodle Platform for the questions of formation and communication. Thus, the actions proposed in the third chapter intend to make possible the establishment of a policy of continuous training of the actors that make distance education in UFJF.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-04-20T15:45:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 geysadefranca.pdf: 1551002 bytes, checksum: 4c41def9fd32bb83f694a10fd8d715bd (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-04-24T03:03:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 geysadefranca.pdf: 1551002 bytes, checksum: 4c41def9fd32bb83f694a10fd8d715bd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-24T03:03:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 geysadefranca.pdf: 1551002 bytes, checksum: 4c41def9fd32bb83f694a10fd8d715bd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-10 / A presente dissertação foi desenvolvida no âmbito do Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Avaliação da Educação (PPGP) do Centro de Políticas Públicas e Avaliação da Educação da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). Tem-se como objetivo analisar a formação processos formativos dos/para tutores atuantes nos cursos de graduação da UAB/UFJF. A formação de tutores tem despertado interesse dos estudiosos sobre o tema, preocupados com a qualidade da educação básica brasileira, tendo em vista a expansão da EaD no Brasil e no mundo nas últimas décadas. A relevância do presente estudo se situa, especialmente, na reflexão sobre a formação de formadores – os tutores – cujo processo formativo para a docência é fundamental para atuação deste profissional frente às demandas pedagógicas, metodológicas, históricas e legais nos cursos de graduação ofertados na modalidade EaD. A suposição desta investigação, confirmada ao longo da pesquisa, é relativa à necessidade de implementação de uma política de formação de tutores nesta universidade. A metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de caso de caráter qualitativo, em que os dados foram coletados por meio de análise documental junto à UFJF, pesquisa bibliográfica, entrevista com coordenadores e TAE, e questionário online desenvolvidos junto aos tutores a distância na busca de compreender a dinâmica dos processos constitutivos, envolvendo um diálogo do pesquisador com a realidade estudada. Para o desenvolvimento do referencial teórico da pesquisa, recorreu-se a autores e pesquisadores com reconhecida contribuição no campo da Educação a Distância, enfatizando-se a formação do tutor, dentre eles, Paula (2008), Bernal (2008), Bortolozzo (2009), Mill (2007), Gatti e Barreto (2009) Costa e Rausch (2012), Tavares (2011). Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que não há uma política de formação inicial e continuada de tutores na UFJF, mas ações isoladas e não complementares e interligadas que não conseguem suprimir todas as demandas básicas de formação dos tutores por não observarem as especificidades da modalidade EaD. Os resultados revelaram ainda, que é preciso incluir academicamente e socialmente o tutor na UFJF. / This work was developed under the Professional Master in Management and Education Assessment (PPGP) of the Center for Public Policy and Federal University of Education Evaluation of Juiz de Fora (CAEd / UFJF). One has to analyze the formative process of training / tutors for working in undergraduate courses of the UAB / UFJF. The tutor training has aroused the interest of scholars on the subject, concerned about the quality of the Brazilian basic education, with a view to expansion of distance education in Brazil and the world in recent decades. The relevance of this study lies especially in reflection on the training of trainers - tutors - whose training process for teachers is critical to performance of this professional front to pedagogical, methodological, historical and legal claims in undergraduate courses offered in the form DE. The assumption of this investigation, confirmed during the research, is on the need to implement a tutor training policy at this university. The methodology used was the qualitative study of case in which data were collected through documentary analysis by the UFJF, bibliographical research, interviews with coordinators and TAE, and online questionnaire developed with tutors the distance in search of understanding dynamics of the constituent processes, involving a researcher dialogue with the reality studied. For the development of theoretical research framework, we appealed to authors and researchers with recognized contribution in the field of education to distance learning, emphasizing the formation of the tutor, among them Paula (2008), Bernal (2008), Bortolozzo (2009 ), Mill (2007), Gatti and Barreto (2009) and Costa Rausch (2012), Tavares (2011). The survey results showed that there is an initial and continuing education policy tutors in UFJF but isolated actions and not complementary and interconnected that they can not suppress all basic demands of training of tutors for not observing the specifics of distance education mode. The results revealed also that you must include academically and socially tutor in UFJF.

This project will address the issues concerning the benefits of distance learning, a growing area in our education system today. Distance learning takes place when the teacher and students are separated, and technology is used to bridge the instructional gap.

Online learning is taking our nation by storm and changing the face of education forever. By 2014 we are projected to have 10 million students taking at least one online class (Nagel, 2009). The online revolution is one of the greatest changes the field of education has seen in the last 25 years (Greenway & Vanourek, 2006). This major shift in education also represents a major shift in how our teachers are prepared and what great teaching looks like in online settings. The online classroom is distinctly different than the brick-and-mortar classroom, and success in the classroom does not necessarily translate into the online environment (Watson, Murin, Vashaw, Gemin, & Rapp, 2011). Our students deserve the best online teachers to ensure the potential of online learning is fulfilled (Cavanaugh, Gillan, Kromrey, Hess, & Blomeyer, 2004). Top quality online teachers are those who have mastered or can demonstrate the ability to quickly learn the specific skills of technology, online instructional design and delivery, communication, and online learning professional development. This study will explore and analyze the impact of the website K-12 Online Staffing Solutions on the recruitment, hiring, and induction practices for K-12 online administrators. Using the research and development research model, developed by Borg and Gall (1989), the website will undergo a series of qualitative feedback and product revision cycles with participants. The results of the study showed that the website tool was easy to use and impacted the practice of virtual school administrators in Oregon. The results have implications beyond virtual charter schools in Oregon. Online learning is growing and administrators need practical, accessible, and research based tools to successfully meet the need for online K-12 options.

This study investigated the perceptions of quality held by undergraduate students enrolled in an online degree program, and examined the connections between these perceptions and retention in an online learning environment. Three main research questions guided this study: (1) What are the characteristics of quality that are desirable for academic success in online distance education? (2) How well does the university manage selection and retention of students and control dropout rates in online learning environment? and; (3) How well does the university foster learning based on information about (a) student engagement, (b) the time and effort students devote to educationally sound activities (within and outside the classroom), (c) policies and practices the institution uses to induce students to take part in those activities, and (d) policies and practices at their institution, even if unintended, that hinder students' full participation? What are the connections between student perception of quality and retention in an online learning environment? A group of students at a medium-sized state university in central California composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in a psychology course participated in interviews. The study employed a qualitative method to collect opinions and data from students who chose to learn in an online environment, examined students' experiences, determined those efforts that promote or hinder learning and higher student retention as perceived by the students, and presented from three main domains; (a) administration, (b) faculty, and (c) students. The findings of the study indicate that some of the characteristics of quality perceived by students as desirable include individual discipline and instructors that are more understanding and encourage students to learn. Administrative and technical support was also rated high on the list. Overall, students desired programs that were convenient and provided sufficient flexibility to accommodate other of life's challenges. The study confirmed expert opinions that when a student has positive personal experiences, possesses positive individual motivation, in an environment with positive attrition factors, it is predictable that the student could attain completion of course or program. The connections between the student's perception of quality and retention then are those personal experiences, individual motivation and positive attrition factors within the distance education learning culture. The quality of these connection variables determines a student's commitment to complete online education and commitment to the university.

Research has shown that widespread misperceptions prevail regarding the use and sustainability of America's forest resources. Elementary school students receive only a general foundation in the area of wood science and many elementary school resources have shown to be inadequate. Virginia Tech and a few other universities have adopted Wood Magic (originated at Mississippi State University) which presents active, hands-on, and engaging science-based education to third, fourth, and fifth graders, allowing them the opportunity to obtain both a theoretical and practical knowledge in these areas of study. A distance education version of the Wood Magic Program, utilizing interactive videoconferencing, is the focus of this thesis. An instructional design model has been developed to meet the needs of designers or instructors looking to expand into the distance education environment. This model describes all steps necessary to develop and implement a distance course or program. A survey was conducted of all randomly selected third, fourth, and fifth grade elementary school science teachers in Virginia. The intentions of the survey were to discover the barriers to implementing the Wood Magic Distance Education Program into their current curriculum. The three largest barriers to implementation were cost of materials, time, and travel resources. / Master of Science

The purpose of this Bailey study was to identify perceived barriers of faculty participation in distance education courses in a four-year university and identify the differences in perceived barriers between the Hebert 2003 study and this Bailey study. The literature review covers numerous studies and articles written within the last 10 years that are related to a variety of barriers perceived by faculty and administrators. There were no statistically significant relationships found between faculty demographics including gender, age, position at the university, tenure status, and number of years faculty have taught in post-secondary education. There were no statistically significant relationships found between the top administrator-ranked motivators and corresponding faculty-ranked motivators, nor between the top administrator-ranked inhibitors and the corresponding faculty-ranked inhibitors. Out of the top four non-participating, faculty-ranked barriers, three were found to have statistically significant relationships with the corresponding administrator-ranked barriers. Statistically significant relationships were found between the faculty-ranked motivators and corresponding administrator identified motivators and between the top ranked barriers identified by non-participating faculty and administrators in Hebert’s study compared to non-participating faculty-ranked and administrator-ranked barriers identified in this study.