Administrator and teacher perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of online courses in urban/suburban New Jersey public high schools

The purpose of this study was to investigate educators' perceptions toward the use of online coursework as an alternative method for the delivery of instruction in urban/suburban New Jersey public high schools. Teachers and administrators addressed academic, social and financial issues regarding the incorporation of e-learning into the high school environment.; The following are guiding questions used in this investigation: What are the advantages and disadvantages of online programs for high school students? How does online coursework help students achieve greater academic success? How do student-teacher relationships online compare to traditional classrooms? How does online instruction impact the social component of a student's high school experience? How does teacher preparation impact e-learning? How cost effective is online coursework?; The participants were four district administrators and two teacher focus groups from New Jersey public high schools using online courses. Administrators perceive that advantages outweigh the disadvantages of coursework online. They applaud the benefits of college preparation, course availability, student motivation and fiscal prudence, but caution that proper student selection is paramount. The need to identify learners best suited for e-learning is supported by Blaylock and Newman's (2005) description of the successful e-learner and virtual schools' attempts to discourage less motivated students.; Teachers perceive more advantages than disadvantages but express concern about the transition from traditional teaching to e-learning. College preparation and additional course offerings are online advantages and teachers identify a specific student profile needed for success online. Participants see e-learning as cost effective instruction and Mupinga (2005) agrees that distance learning offers creative cost effective solutions for educational opportunities.; Recommendations include: a study of high school students' academic achievement online, a study of the experiences and academic achievement of students in a traditional AP class vs. an AP course online, replication of this study to gather data from a student perspective, and investigation of parents' perceptions of online coursework at the high school level.; Districts should offer high school students and faculty the opportunity to work online. Teacher education programs should provide coursework to prepare future teachers as online instructors and require a practicum experience in this venue.