| Internet-based distance learning is rapidly becoming the predominant delivery method for distance instruction. Distance education administrators face many challenges as they attempt to address current and emerging issues. However, few studies were found that investigated issues from an administrator's perspective. Therefore, this study examined the perceptions of 50 Internet-based distance learning administrators from community colleges in New Mexico and Texas regarding issues regarding online instruction.; Twelve issues that were believed could be effectively addressed at the administrative level were identified through a review of the literature. Subsequently, four research questions were developed to guide the investigation: (1) What are the perceptions of community college leaders regarding critical issues affecting online instruction? (2) What strategies or policies have community colleges implemented to address the critical issues affecting online instruction? (3) Is there a significant difference in the mean perceptions of New Mexico and Texas respondents regarding critical issues affecting online instruction? (4) Is there a significant difference between the mean perceptions regarding the critical issues affecting online instruction for certain organismic variables?; Data collection was accomplished using an Internet-based survey that was specifically designed for this study and included questions addressing the following issues: strategic planning, statewide online instruction initiatives, accreditation, tuition, faculty preparation, faculty incentives for teaching online, student support services, student orientation, instructional quality, intellectual property, evaluation, and technology infrastructure. Respondents indicated their perceptions regarding these issues using a 4-point Likert-type scale. Participants were also asked to respond to a series of open-ended questions that resulted in documenting strategies and policies used by institutions to address the issues under study. The responses to these questions also provided further insight to these 12 issues.; The findings revealed that 9 of the 12 issues under study were perceived to be significant by New Mexico and Texas Internet-based distance learning administrators. Also, the results indicated that, on average, approximately one-fourth of community colleges have not developed strategies or policies to respond to issues that were perceived significant. The actual responses to the open-ended questions were reported so that they can be accessed by practitioners. |
