A Multiple-Case Study: Distance Education in Very Small, Rural School

The reduced populations in rural areas along with reduced budgets have created a difficult situation for school officials of rural school districts. Rural school districts are searching for methods to provide their students with an affordable, quality education. Rural schools districts are utilizing distance education as an instructional method; however, little research exists on the use of distance education in rural schools. Knowledge is needed on the use of distance education in very, small rural schools. Barriers to distance education in these schools need to be identified due to their unique proximity and culture. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of distance education as an instructional tool in very small, rural schools and to explore the barriers to distance education in these schools from student and staff perceptions. This study utilized a multiple case study approach. Three data sources were used: (a) student surveys, (b) distance education facilitator interviews, and (c) interview data collected from school counselors. The descriptive data and interview data provided insight into the use of distance education in rural schools and identified the barriers to the use of distance education in these schools. Themes identified from the staff members and students included distance education provided their schools with courses that would otherwise not be available to their school due to difficulty in hiring teachers and the schools were able to expand their curriculum through the use of distance education. Technology equipment and Internet access were perceived to be adequate. Barriers identified were the limited number of distance education classes available, the lack of communication between teachers and students, and assistance by distance education facilitators. The results of the school counselor interviews indicated distance education classes were taught at all of the schools and were available to all students. The data collected indicated the students completed distance education classes they enrolled in and foreign language was taught through distance education classes in all of the schools. Future research could include the need for expansion of distance learning classes in rural schools as well as the funding opportunities available.