Influencing factors on faculty participation in the development and delivery of secondary online learning programs

Distance education in the form of online learning is an educational delivery method that is growing in secondary school programs. Prior to its introduction in secondary school systems, online learning was a method more often found in post-secondary educational systems. Over the past decade, little research has been conducted with secondary online programs. Research that is available has focused on student achievement.; The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore, through a case approach, factors that influence secondary educators' development and delivery of online learning courses. Specifically sought were faculty perspectives on their experience delivering online instruction from the initial training experience through course development and implementation. The primary data collection method was a semi-structured interview. As the purpose of this study was to gain a broad understanding of multiple participants' experiences, providing an open-ended format brought a wide-angle lens to the research process.; The participants in this study were involved in a district-sponsored program designed to provide training to secondary faculty in the development and delivery of online learning courses. Some participants completed the program by developing and delivering a course. Other participants started but did not fully develop a course. A total of 21 individuals participated in the study.; Findings were reported under each of the seven research questions that were related to the overarching question of what factors influence faculty participation in the development and delivery of secondary online programs. Specific findings included barriers and incentives to participation, effects of online instruction on students, and effects of course development and delivery on faculty participants.