| There is a critical need to identify effective delivery methods to increase the availability and impact of transition teacher preparation programs on knowledge and practices. The purpose of this research was to determine if the transition online courses are a viable means to increase the accessibility of critically needed transition education to teachers nationwide. Another purpose was to identify students' perceptions regarding the benefits and barriers to online learning.; This study examined the perceptions of 39 graduate students enrolled in 2 transition online courses offered in Spring 06. A mixed methods approach utilized an online survey, and focus group interviews to identify practitioners' perspectives of the effectiveness of the online transition coursework.; Students identified benefits that included flexibility, opportunity to interact with students and experts from various geographic regions, and for some students, an improved quality of learning. The most frequently identified barrier was that the coursework was time consuming. Other disadvantages included missing the face-to-face interaction, less access to professor, and technology issues. Overall, the students' responses were varied; some students reported a better learning experience compared to face-to-face courses, some said it was the same, and some indicated they would have preferred the face-to-face format.; Online education offers cause for optimism for improving transition practices. Students commented that the transition knowledge and skills they gained from the course was practical information that they were able to apply to current situations and programs. Students offered examples of the impact the courses had already had on their practices including improved IEP planning and implementation, knowledge and use of transition assessments, and working with families. Students' perception of their online experience is vital information for online instructors. Online instructors can use this feedback to enhance teacher/student interaction, and to modify course design and organization to improve student's learning experience. |
