The dissertation proposal by Jason F. Rhode explores interaction preferences in self-paced online learning environments, aiming to understand the value learners place on different types of interactions. The study will utilize phenomenological methodology and semi-structured interviews with participants from an online professional development certificate program to gather insights on interaction types and their perceived equivalency. Expected findings include identifying preferred interaction forms among adult learners and their impact on the overall learning experience.

1. Interaction equivalency in self-paced online learning environments: An exploration of learner preferences Dissertation Proposal Jason F. Rhode 9/10/2007

2. Jason F. Rhode Ph.D. candidate, Capella University Specialization: Instructional Design for Online Learning

3. Introduction interaction self-paced learning emerging communication approaches

4. Background Substance and function of online interactions varies Interaction is essential for a quality learning experience Unanswered questions concerning learners’ interaction preferences and degree in which interactions are perceived to be equivalent

5. Statement of the Problem Interaction identified as a key element to successful online learning programs Little empirical evidence currently exists as to the value that learners place upon various types of interactions in a self-paced learning environment

6. Types of Interactions

7. Interaction Equivalency Theorem

8. Purpose of the Study Expand upon previous research advocating for purposeful design of interaction Examine the composition of the online learning experience of adult learners in self-paced learning environment Explore what forms of interaction self-paced online learners value most as well as what affect such interactions have on their overall learning experience

9. Research Questions What forms of interaction do adult learners engage in most in self-paced online courses? What forms of interaction do adult learners value most in self-paced online courses? What forms of interaction do online adult learners identify as equivalent in self-paced online courses? What impact does interaction have on the self-paced online learning experience?

10. Research Design Phenomenological methodology Semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted near the conclusion of the course

11. Sampling Design Participants Online adult learners enrolled in a fully-online professional development certificate program offered by Valley Forge Christian College Participant selection Convenience sample: all learners (n=13) in Sept. 2007 section of “Advanced Web Communications” course invited to participate

12. Measures Semi-structured, in-depth interviews to be conducted over the phone, each approx. 1 hr. in length Questions will address 3 main types of interaction and formal vs. informal nature of such interactions Interviews recorded and transcripts coded for

13. Data Collection Procedures Approval from Capella University IRB and VFCC Academic Affairs Instrument and protocol to be pilot tested Interviews conducted via phone and recorded, transcribed, and coded Interview transcripts sent to interviewees to confirm accuracy prior to coding

14. Ethical Issues Learners have no obligation to participate Interview data stored securely using assigned id codes in place of participant names Pseudo names used in place of actual names

15. Data Analysis Procedures Identify emergent themes from the data that will serve as foundational schema for further data organization and analysis

16. Expected Findings It is expected that one or more types of interaction will surface as being preferred for adult learners Learners may recognize certain interactions as equivalent