A Comparison of On-Campus and Distance Teacher Education Programs in Severe Disabilities

Abstract

Distance teacher education programs employing videoconferencing technology and other online teaching tools are increasingly being used to prepare teachers of students with disabilities in rural and remote communities. This evaluation study compared the effectiveness of a distance and an on-campus teacher education program for teachers of students with severe disabilities. Teacher candidates in the distance cohort received the same program of study as candidates in the on-campus program except that the coursework was delivered through videoconferencing technology instead of traditional, face-to-face instruction. Instructional activities for candidates in both cohorts were supported through online instructional tools (i.e., Web CT) and on-site field supervision from university clinical faculty members and cooperating professionals from the local school districts. A variety of measures were used to assess candidates’ acquisition of content and their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the program of study. The results indicate that there were no significant differences between students in the distance and on-campus teacher education cohorts on the measures of learning. The implications of the findings for further research are discussed.