This document summarizes a study conducted to define competencies for online teaching. A team of researchers collected data from 197 participants through an inventory of behavioral statements. Factor analysis was used to statistically organize the statements into 7 competency factors including active learning, administration/leadership, active teaching/responsiveness, multimedia technology, classroom decorum, technological competence, and policy enforcement. The researchers analyzed relationships between competencies and variables like experience level and discipline. They plan to use results to inform faculty development and determine if competencies are needed at different experience levels (novice, intermediate, expert).

1. Towards Defining the Competencies for Online TeachingLilly 2010Washington D.C.Conference1

2. Research TeamPrincipal Investigator: Lawrence C. RaganCo-Investigators: Paula Bigatel, Janet May, Shannon KennanStatistics Consultant: Brian Redmond2

3. The Study – The Beginning3

4. DefinitionsInventory items – statements that reflect a behavior, attitude, or beliefDefinition of competency: a theoretical construct that represents a constellation of behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs, not just one behavior, attitude, or belief.4

5. Data Collection5

6. DemographicsCurrent academic position Professor (55)

7. Adjunct (46)

8. Instructor (34)

9. Other (33)

10. Instructional Designer (18)

11. Administrator (30)

12. Lecturer (21)

13. Staff (21)

14. Affiliate (2)Disciplines Professions (83)

15. Humanities (36)

16. Social Sciences (33)

17. Applied Sciences (16)

18. Formal Sciences (20)

19. Natural Sciences (13)

20. Other (15)Sample Size: N = 197 SexFemale (113)Male (64)Not reporting (15)ExperienceNo teaching responsibilities (17)Less than 1 (16)1 to 3 (57)4 to 5 (40)6 to 9 (40)10 to 15 (23)16 to 20 (2)More than 20 (1)6

21. Factor AnalysisWay to statistically organize data (questions) into categories (competencies)Reduce number of questions to manageable amount ExploratoryProduced 7 reliable factors* Note that several factors have only 2 items7

22. Active LearningThe instructor encourages students to interact with each other by assigning team tasks and projects, where appropriate. (r=.819)The instructor includes group/team assignments where appropriate. (r=.766) The instructor encourages students to share their knowledge and expertise with the learning community. (r=.721)The instructor encourages students to participate in discussion forums, where appropriate. (r=.682)The instructor provides opportunities for hands-on practice so that students can apply learned knowledge to the real-world. (r=.582)The instructor provides additional resources that encourage students to go deeper into the content of the course. (r=.574)The instructor encourages student-generated content as appropriate. (r=.531) The instructor facilitates learning activities that help students construct explanations/solutions. (r=.506)The instructor uses peer assessment in his/her assessment of student work, where appropriate. (r=.472) The instructor shows respect to students in his/her communications with them. (r=.427)8