Selected factors affecting attitudes of graduate faculty toward use of two-way audio/two-way video as a primary instructional delivery system

This descriptive study examined factors affecting attitudes of graduate faculty toward the use of two-way audio/two-way video in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, and the Lowry Mays College and Graduate School of Business at Texas A&M University. Two hundred-twelve graduate faculty agreed to participate.; In answering the research questions posed in this study, the data suggested: (1) The majority of participants perceived themselves to be innovators or early adopters of teaching via two-way audio/two-way video. (2) A majority of both participants and non-participants supported the use of two-way audio/two-way video delivery in graduate-level courses. (3) Both participants and non-participants perceived that: (a) training was not provided in teaching strategies and use of technology required to conduct classes via two-way audio/two-way video delivery; (b) preparation to teach via two-way audio/two-way video required more time than teaching preparation for teaching using conventional methods; (c) incentives were not provided to teach via two-way audio/two-way video; and (d) institutional support to teach via two-way audio/two-way video was not evident. (4) Non-participants, with greater frequency than participants, perceived that time was not available to prepare for classes and sufficient clerical staff support was not available to teach via two-way audio/two-way video. (5) Perceptions of the graduate faculty were that the opportunity was offered to secure faculty development training on two-way audio/two-way video teaching strategies and methods, that preparation for class via two-way audio/two-way video delivery required more time than a conventionally taught class, availability of training on the delivery of information using Internet tools, and training on the use of electronic communication tools were college-specific.; Because faculty attitudes can impact participation in the use of two-way audio/two-way video as a primary instructional delivery system, these attitudes should be addressed if distance education in Texas A&M University is to maintain pace with institutions of higher education.