Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Linna Parra

Committee Member

Susanne Flannelly

Committee Member

Michael Simonson

Keywords

cultural competence, diffusion of innovation, distance education, diversity, faculty, students

Abstract

This study aims to explore faculty’s experiences regarding teaching methods and student-teacher interaction. The interaction between the majority groups and diverse (minority) groups on the college and university campuses needs to be addressed in order for colleges to achieve the universal goal of education for all (Akombo, 2013). Such interactions can be achieved through a curriculum that fosters cultural perspectives within the college communities (Akombo, 2013). Due to the diversity and pluralism of educational environments, academic faculty must be able to discuss multiple cultural perspectives in the classroom (Akombo, 2013). For this reason, the Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation Theory will be used to explore the experiences of diverse faculty with diverse students. Moreover, this diffusion of innovation will empower faculty to establish a platform that advocates cultural competence as well as adopts best practices for cultural awareness and inclusion. In view of that, the purpose of this study is to explore the following: (a) faculty experiences with diverse students in an institute of higher learning, (b) faculty experiences cultivating student learning, and (c) instructor’s resources and best practices that are available for diverse faculty in addressing student learning. The target population of this study will consist of administrators, faculty, instructional designers, and online success coaches from business technology program at the institute of higher learning.

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