The Value of Online Teacher Preparation
Programs:
An Extraordinary Opportunity
National Title I Conference, 2/8/15
Dr. Carrie A. Pottinger
Western Governors University
A true story…..
Objectives
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Public Perception of Online Learning
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Meeting the Needs of Adult Learners
The Value of Online Teacher Preparation
Programs
Extraordinary Opportunities for Title I
Schools
Success for Learners, Schools, and Students
A Few Facts to Consider
There are almost 37 million Americans who have some
college credit but no degree (Lumina Foundation, 2012).
A Few Facts to Consider
Median earnings of bachelor’s degree recipients with no
advanced degree working full time in 2011 were $56,500,
$21,500 more than median earnings for high school graduates.
Individuals with some college work earned 14% more than
high school graduates working full time (Education Pays,
2013)
Only 7% of the more than 1,600 teacher preparation programs
(brick and mortar and online) evaluated by National Council
for Teacher Quality (NCTQ) earned “top ranked” status
A Georgetown University report estimated that 65% of U.S.
jobs will require some college education by 2020 (estimates
that our country will fall 5 million workers short of that)
Economic Benefits for Earning
Advanced Degrees
Economic Benefits for Earning
Advanced Degrees
Economic Benefits for Earning
Advanced Degrees
Public Perception
According to a Gallup Poll (2013)
“Online courses and degrees offer immense potential for increasing college
access, decreasing the cost of education, and providing expanded options for
learing. Still, overcoming the public’s views on technology could be
difficult…Americans still view traditional, classroom-based education as better
tailored to each individual.”
Public Perception
Among graduates in the past decade, 39% of adults who have taken online
courses report the same education value as in class experience compared to 27%
of those who have not taken an online course
Public Perception
There seems to be a “disconnect” between the public perception of online
degrees, especially for those who have not experienced online education.
According to U.S. New & World Report (Sep, 2013) in a survey of community
college students in 2013:
• 61% reported that online classes require more discipline
• 33% reported that online classes are harder to pass
• 53% reported that they learned the about the same or less (42%) than
traditional classes. Less than 5% reported they learn more in online programs.
In a survey of 615 HR professionals:
• 82% reported they preferred hiring employees who have a combination of inperson and online education
• 80% reported that online-only degrees provide more opportunities for adult
students who may have to balance school with work and family
responsibilities.
Key Question: Which online programs? We will talk more about this, not all
online programs are the same just as with traditional counterparts.
Adjusting Public Perception
“Online learning really has nothing to do with distance, but really moving
time around. Online education is not, in my judgment, all that appropriate
for the 18-24 year old but is absolutely critical to the graduate student or the
adult student who needs to be able to mix going back to school with life.
If you look at one’s preferred style of learning and you look at one’s current
knowledge base, you can take that into consideration in the way in which
you present the information that follows, either by going to their dominant
learning style or advancing the content so they’re not spending time on stuff
they already know. You don’t do that in a traditional classroom. It’s not
popular to say, but I think we deliver a superior product.”
John Ebersole, President of Excelsior College
Note: Average age of online students at Excelsior and WGU is 38 & 37
respectively
Pros & Cons of Earning a
Degree Online
Pros
Cons
Flexibility
Reputation
Accessibility
Lack of in Person Social
Interaction
Affordability
Discipline Required
Technological Skills
Technological Skills
The World is the Classroom
No Sports Teams
Top 5 Online
Learning Myths
{
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Online courses are easy
Employers won’t recognize my degree
Online students miss out on student resources and
social interaction
Online programs are too expensive
All online degree programs are the same
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Myth #1: Online courses are easy
Not true. Online courses can be just as challenging as traditional programs
provided you earn your degree from an accredited online university with a
well-respected, challenging curriculum. All quality programs (brick and
mortar or online) should have a minimum of regional accreditation.
Regional Accrediting Bodies
Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools
New England Association of Colleges & Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Accreditation Commission
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Accreditation & Rankings
Accreditation by a regional commission
that’s recognized by the U.S. Department
of Education is critically important.
Provides proof that:

Outside evaluators have carefully
reviwed an insitution’s programs
and policies

All programs meet the same
educational standards for
performance, integrity and quality
as those found from traditional
universities, large state schools, Ivy
League, and online.

Rankings are good to consider from
various agencies such as National
Council on Teacher Quality &
United States Distance Learning
Association (USDLA)
Accreditation & Rankings
Accreditation status gives an
indication of a university’s general
quality and reputation. According
to Peterson’s, a premier educational
resource, by attending a regionally
accredited university:

Students are assured a basic
level of quality in education
and services

Credits are more likely to be
transferable to other
accredited institutions

Degrees are more likely to be
recognized and respected by
other colleges and employers.
NCATE is the premier specialized
accrediting body for teacher
preparation and is recognized by
the U.S. Department of
Education. NCATE accredits
colleges of education that produce
over two-thirds of the nation’s
new teacher graduates annually.
Accreditation & Rankings
The National Council on Teacher Quality
(NCTQ) advocates for reforms in a broad
range of teacher policies at the federal, state,
and local levels in order to increase the
number of effective teachers. They are
committed to transparency and increasing
public awareness about insitutions with the
greatest impact (traditional and online).
http://www.nctq.org/teacherPrep/review201
4.do
Online School Says It’s
“Cheat Proof”
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Myth #2: Employers won’t recognize my online
degree
Wrong. The large number of online learners (over 7 million and growing daily)
are helping employers realize that “online” is simply another way to learn.
Many employers appreciate that online learning is less intrusive to an
employee’s work schedule and obligations.
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Myth #3: Online students miss out on student
resources and social interaction
Wrong. There are many interactive learning resources, communities, online
libraries, discussion boards, webinars, social media, student advisors, direct
access to instructors via email or phone.
True. Online universities do not have sports teams.
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
BYU Idaho
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Support Beyond Graduation
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Myth #4: Online programs are too expensive
Some truth to this. In reality, most online schools are for-profit, it all depends
on the school. Consider nonprofit universities.
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
American Public University
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
StraighterLine for Completion of General
Education Coursework
http://www.straighterline.com/
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Save up to 60% on college gen ed courses
Prepares for success in other online upper-division
coursework
Some universities offer scholarships for successful
completion of Straighterline courses upon
enrollment/transfer to degree programs with over
80 partner colleges
Straighterline Partners
Top 5 Online Learning Myths
Myth #5: All online degree programs are
the same.
This is the biggest myth of all. Just like their on-campus
counterparts, online institutions vary tremendously. Prospective
students really need to do their homework. Must research:
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Cost
Profit or Non Profit
Reputation
Accreditation
Financial stability
Authorized for federal student loans
Vision/Mission
Competency based, traditional format
10 Tips for Deciding if
Online Learning is a “Fit”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Define Education Goals – career advancement, cost-friendly,
time constraints
Explore Accredited Programs – degrees without reputable
accreditation may not be as appealing to grad schools or
employers
Find Out How Tuition is Handled – Charged by credit hours,
term, lump sum?
Search for Scholarships – Just like traditional higher education
programs, scholarships are sometimes available.
Credit for Prior Learning – Some universities allow to “test
out” of certain courses through “prior learning assessments” or
submission of portfolios (Excelsior, Walden, Charter Oak State
College, Bellevue University)
10 Tips for Deciding if
Online Education is a “Fit”
6.
Research the Quality of Instructors, Curriculum & Method of
Delivery – Competency based, access to instructors
7. Make Sure Your Technology is Current – Computers, apps,
Internet connection
8. Consider Possible “Must Have Tools” – printer, note-taking
software, webcam
9. Self-Disciplined and Organized? – Biggest challenge….
10. Experiment with Free Online Courses – Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs) such as Coursera, Udacity and edX from top
schools such as Stanford & Harvard
Meeting the Needs of
Adult Learners
{
Vision/Mission Statement
Competency-Based Education
Technological Proficiencies
Unique Opportunities….
Online programs are uniquely positioned to
meet the needs of adult learners because of
their lower cost (some), flexibility, and
accessibility to learning.
Vision & Mission Statements
Western Governors University
WGU’s vision is to deliver exemplary, lower-cost, higher education
opportunities; and as a result, be recognized as the premier competencybased, online, and truly national university.
Southern New Hampshire
As a private, nonprofit university, we’ve spent 80 years pushing the boundaries
of education, making it affordable and accessible for everyone. We're committed
to your success.
Thomas Edison State College
Thomas Edison State college provides flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning
opportunities for self-directed adults.
South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an
environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered
education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that
improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the
world.
Competency Based Education
“Competency-based approaches to education have the potential
for assuring the quality and extent of learning, shortening the
time to degree/certificate completion, developing stackable
credentials that ease student transitions between school and
work, and reducing the overall cost of education for both
career-technical and degree programs.”
Andrew Bergeron, Assistant Secretary for Post Secondary
Education, 2013
“We know many students and adult learners across the country
need the flexibility to fit their education into their lives or
work through a class on their own pace, and these competencybased programs offer those features…anytime, anywhere.”
Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education, 2013
Competency Based Education
A competency-based approach includes five key principles:
1. Students advance upon mastery.
2. Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable
learning objectives that empower students.
3. Assessment is meaningful and a positive learning experience
for students.
4. Students receive rapid, differentiated support based on their
individual learning needs.
5. Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include
application and creation of knowledge along with the
development of important skills and dispositions.
A sample of universities offering competency-based education
include: WGU, Capella University, Southern New Hampshire
University, Northern Arizona and University of Wisconsin.
Competency Works (2012)
Adult Learning Theory
Online learning is closely aligned to adult learning
theory (Andragogy) for what works best for adults.
Andragogy includes the following principles:
1. Self-directed – Adults prefer guidance to direct instruction.
2. Experienced – Adults come to the learning environment with
educational and life experience, seeking connections to their
learning for greater meaning.
3. Goal-oriented – Adults become ready to learn when confronted
with a life situation that calls for future knowledge or skills.
4. Problem-centered – Adults seek knowledge that has relevance to
solve issues in their experience.
5. Intrinsically motivated – Adults generally have greater internal
motivation to learn than children (desire for professional
advancement, contributing to society, escapism, and personal
growth).
Technological Proficiency
Online learning provides many opportunities for increasing
technological skills.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCSS) 1999 survey
found:
• 99% of full-time teachers said they had access to computer or
the Internet
• 39% of respondents stated they used such technology to
create instructional materials
• <10% of respondents reported using technology to find model
lesson plans or research best practices
Conclusion: Technology integration is more likely when
teachers have not only adequate equipment, but appropriate
training and experience with technology.
Projected Growth in Online Learning
Pew Research Study (2011)
The Value of Online
Teacher Preparation
Programs
{
The Hidden Value
Online Teacher Preparation Programs’ Rigor
The Hidden Value of
Online degrees
7.1 million students in fall 2012 took at least one online course.
33.5% of higher education students take at least one online
course.
Online students consider online program a good investment of
time and money.

65% of respondents agreed “completely” that their
online studies represented a good financial investment

72% agreed “completely that their online studies
represented a good investment of time
Online degree programs offer students the flexibility they need
to go back to school

Elimination of travel, abilty to study around family
obligations, 24/7 access to course materials
(Babson Survey Research, 2014)
The Hidden Value of Online
Degrees
Opportunity and implied costs are lower
1. 24/7 access to course materials, recorded lectures
2. No limitations for in state/out of state tuition rates
3. Ability to enroll without limitations by geography
4. Zero travel expenses, parking and other facility fees
5. Open-source online texts
6. Ability to work full time, lowering student loan debt
7. Abilty to work on furthering education “independent
of time or place”
8. Opportunity to work at own pace for some
universities
Online Teacher Preparation
Typical program of study via online similiar to traditional
setting – just different method of delivery (flexible/accessible).
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General education
Teacher education foundations
Diversity, classroom management, assessment principles
Preclinical experiences (via video and in class)
Instructional planning and presentation
Education methods, pedagogy
Student teaching (minimum 12 weeks of supervised
experience in a local classroom)
• Background checks, insurance, basic skills exam and any
state required content/pedagogy exams (Praxis, etc)
Online Teacher Preparation
Online universities support candidates with a variety of
technology and personal support strategies:
• Webinars on ethics, dispositions, professional practice,
student engagement, lesson presentation/planning,
classroom management delivered by master teachers
• Reflection and review with mentors, advisors or instructors
• Engagement with peers in seminars via discussions, video,
and phone conferences
• Teacher work sample and professoinal portfolio
development
Online Teacher Preparation
Standard Path for Typical Teacher Preparation Program
Extraordinary
Opportunities for Title I
Schools
{
Building Leaders Beyond the Classroom
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Increasing Diversity
Meeting the Needs of the Underserved
Building Partnerships
Innovation & Technology
Building Leaders Beyond the
Classroom
Educational Leadership
 Director of a College Guidance
 Registrar
 Athletic Director
 Dean of Academics
 Curriculum Coordinator
 Director of Technology
 Admissions Director
 Department Chair
Teacher Leaders
 Instructional Coordinator
 Grade Level Leader
 Corporate Trainer
 Private Tutor
 Administrator
 Educational Program Director
 Textbook Author
For teachers interested in taking on leadership opportunities
outside of the classroom, earning a master’s degree in education
is a must.
STEM – A Promising Future….
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Unemployed outnumber job postings 3.6 to 1
In STEM occupations, postings outnumber the unemployed by 1.9 to 1
According to The STEM Education Coalitions, STEM positions will
grow 1.7 times faster than non-STEM occupations from 2008-2018
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS)) the number of
middle school teachers will increase from 641,700 to 750,000 from 20102020, an increase of 17%
71,900 additional STEM jobs at the high school level added
BLS noted math and science (especially chemistry and physics) are two
areas in which qualified applicants may be in high demand.
Note: WGU is the leading producer of math and science degrees
according to an 2013 Eduventures study
(WGU Career Guide, 2014)
Opportunities for Increasing
Diversity
“We’re in a crisis situation right now where we talk about democratic society
and we have 45% of school populations in some areas that are racially diverse
kids and 90% of the teaching force is white females..students think books and
knowledge or anything worthwhile they need to know in terms of formal
education is white.” (Akron Beach Journal, Jan 2015)
Online education can provide a true viable option to meet the needs of
those in rural or inner-city locations, first-time members of families
going to college, or for those who cannot just “stop life” to pursue their
educational goals through a traditional university option.
Think of the para-educators, teachers in your school who wish to
advance their degrees, or others in your local community who could
earn their teaching degrees and represent a reflection of your local
community and students at your school.
Meeting the Needs of the
Under-Served
Av. Age
UnderServed
Total
First
Low
Generation Income
College
Ethnic
Rural
IN
37
73%
46%
31%
15%
21%
MO
36
73%
42%
32%
16%
26%
TN
37
75%
46%
31%
23%
24%
TX
37
66%
41%
26%
40%
9%
WA
37
66%
37%
30%
21%
12%
WGU
Total
37
72%
40%
29%
27%
16%
Opportunities to Build
Partnerships
K-12 can build
partnerships with
online teacher
preparation
programs.

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Tuition discounts
Scholarships
Professional
development
Opportunities for Innovation
and Technology
Online teacher preparation programs are on the forefront of
exploring opportunities for innovation, technology, and
professional development. These skills and opportunities
could ultimately benefit Title I schools.
Edthena is an example of innovation to help teacher
candidates and existing teachers receive video feedback on
their teaching skills from supervisors or mentors.
Opportunities for Innovation
and Technology
Online Education: Meeting
the Needs of Busy, Working
Adults
Pros
Cons
Flexibility
Reputation
Accessibility
Lack of in Person Social
Interaction
Affordability
Discipline Required
Technological Skills
Technological Skills
The World is the Classroom
No Sports Teams
Success for Learners,
Schools, and Students
{
This is what it is all about….
Marysville Pilchuck High
Theresa, 2014 teacher candidate at Pilchuck High, Marysville
WA, that experienced the recent school shooting….an
inspiration…..
“I want to thank you for being a huge part of my journey. It didn’t
help that anybody and everybody that had a student teaching
nightmare experience decided they needed to share it with me. But for
an online school, I felt like there was an army of people that were not
only behind me but genuinely cared about me and my success. Not
once did I feel like I was hearing about something just from a book.
Everybody I interacted with had a strong and long classroom
background. It is the personal touch that never made me feel like I was
just student ID# 00012345.”
This is what it is all about…
Dr. Carrie A. Pottinger,
Thank you,
Capella University!
References
Akron Beach Journal. (2015). Retrieved from:
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Data-student-racial-diversityoutpaces-teachers-5993292.php
Babson Research Group. (2014). The value of online education. Retrieved from:
http://www.university.com/the-value-of-online-education/
Education Pays. (2013). Retrieved from:
http://trends.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/education-pays-2013-full-report.pdf
Lumina Foundation. (2012). Retrieved from:
http://strongernation.luminafoundation.org/report/
Pew Research Group. (2011). Retrieved from:
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/08/28/overview/
U.S. New & World Report. (September, 2013). Retrieved from:
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/09/20/employers-students-remainskeptical-of-online-education
WGU Career Guide. (2014). Retrieved from:
http://en.calameo.com/read/003176610fc1ebd08c92c