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Dissertation Information for Elizabeth A. Buchanan

NAME:
- Elizabeth A. Buchanan

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (USA) (1999)

ADVISORS:
- Muhammad Aman

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- John Agada
- Cheryl S. Ajirotutu
- Beverly E. Cross
- Edward Aalbert Mabry
- Marleen Carol Pugach

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Articulating a Web-based pedagogy: A qualitative examination

Abstract: Distance education has a long and varied history dating from the 1800's. Three distinct waves of distance education can be identified, notably correspondence study, open education and video delivery, and currently, Internet or Web-based distance education. Each wave possesses its own unique pedagogical specificity; however, the novelty of the third wave presents opportunities for in-depth examinations of its emerging pedagogy. Many individual characteristics have been ascribed to Web-based education, Including bi-directional or multi-directional communications and unique dialogic practices. Yet, because of its newness, few detailed pedagogical models exist surrounding Web-based education. Three research questions ground the study: (1) What is the pedagogy of third wave distance education in a new Web-based program in Clinical Bioethics at a Midwestern institution of higher education/medical education and how can this pedagogy be articulated? (2) What is unique about the dialogic practices of third wave distance education in contrast to earlier waves of distance education or traditional on-site or face-to-face education? (3) How does Web-based dialogue contribute to a unique learning environment, and what does that environment resemble?

This research employs descriptive and analytical qualitative case study methodology, which presents a particular unit in detailed uniqueness and contextualizes the unit in a theoretical framework. The qualitative case study allows for personal perspectives and understanding of reality to emerge to comprise the "story" under investigation.

The study cohort is comprised of one male instructor and twenty-two adult learners taking part in a Web-based course in Clinical Bioethics at a large Midwestern medical/academic institution. The course qualifies for graduate credit or continuing education credits for health-care professionals.

The data reveal a plethora of information regarding Web-based pedagogy, including details surrounding ideal qualities of students and instructors to the ways in which dialogue is facilitated and contributes to a learning environment unique to Web-based education. The specificity of the culture of Bioethics, in particular, demands a unique dialogue and means of interaction. This culture is examined, and a pedagogy of Web-based education is articulated.

The significance of this study lies in its potential applicability to developing Web-based education programs that maintain integrity and validity in their pedagogical efficacy.

MPACT Scores for Elizabeth A. Buchanan

A = 0
C = 2
A+C = 2
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:33:12

Advisors and Advisees Graph