Creating a sustainable online instructor observation system: A case study highlighting flaws when blending mentoring and evaluation

Authors

  • Marthann Schulte Park University
  • Kay Dennis Park University
  • Michael Eskey Park University
  • Cathy Taylor Park University
  • Heather Zeng Park University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i3.1135

Keywords:

distance education, online learning, faculty, instructor, training, mentoring, observation, evaluation, online

Abstract

Quality and accountability mandates require institutions to monitor online instruction in a uniform and complete manner. In many institutions, instructor training is sparse and faculty evaluation occurs only through end-of-course student evaluations that may or may not yield adequate information on how the instructor performs online. Consequently, the online instructor evaluation system (OIES) was developed to ensure the finest quality educational experience for online students via a systematic approach to faculty training, mentoring, and evaluation. Research has shown that combining mentoring and evaluation is not feasible, and therefore another approach is warranted.

Author Biographies

Marthann Schulte, Park University

Marthann Schulte, PhD is an Associate Professor of Education at Park University.  She teaches online in the Adult Education graduate degree program.  Dr. Schulte also works administratively as the Coordinator of Online Faculty Evaluation for the Park University division of Distance Learning.

Kay Dennis, Park University

Kay Dennis, EdD is an Assistant Professor of Education at Park University.  She teaches online in the Adult Education graduate degree program.  Dr. Dennis also works administratively as an Online Instructor Evaluator for the Park University division of Distance Learning.

Michael Eskey, Park University

Michael Eskey, PhD is an Associate Professor of Education at Park University.  He teaches online in the Criminal Justice degree program.  Dr. Eskey also works administratively as an Online Instructor Evaluator for the Park University division of Distance Learning.

Cathy Taylor, Park University

Cathy Taylor, JD is an Assistant Professor of Management at Park University.  She teaches online in the Management degree program.  Dr. Taylor also works administratively as an Online Instructor Evaluator for the Park University division of Distance Learning.

Heather Zeng, Park University

Heather Zeng, PhD is an adjunct instructor at Park University who teaches online in the Psychology degree program.  Dr. Zeng is a former Online Instructor Evaluator for the Park University division of Distance Learning.

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Published

2012-04-23

How to Cite

Schulte, M., Dennis, K., Eskey, M., Taylor, C., & Zeng, H. (2012). Creating a sustainable online instructor observation system: A case study highlighting flaws when blending mentoring and evaluation. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 13(3), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i3.1135

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Research Articles

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