Research-Supported Best Practices for Developing Online Learning
Dennis W. Sunal
Cynthia S. Sunal
University of Alabama
Michael R. Odell
University of Idaho
Cheryl A. Sundberg
Louisiana Tech University
Abstract
An analysis was conducted of the body of research studies on best practice in asynchronous or synchronous online instruction in higher education. The analysis used specific research design criteria and categorized studies by the type of theory used, such as creation of typologies. Many studies had flaws in research design and generally were pre-experimental case studies. Those studies most closely meeting the research criteria indicate online learning is viable and identify potential best practices in four categories: student behaviors, faculty-student interactions, technology support, and learning environment.
About the Author(s)...
Dennis W. Sunal is Professor of Science Education and Director of the Alabama Science Teaching and Learning Center at The University of Alabama. He has widely published his investigations of cognition and effective teaching and investigates these in the online environment. He may be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael R. Odell is Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Idaho. He has been active in diverse online course development and in the use of online instruction at K-12 as well as higher education levels. He may be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cynthia Szymanski Sunal is Professor of Social Studies Education and Department Head for Elementary Education Programs at the University of Alabama. She has developed online graduate programming and has published investigations of how communication is framed in online discourse. She may be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cheryl A. Sundberg is Assistant Professor of Science Education at Louisiana Tech University. She investigates the use of online material for teacher professional development and for use with teacher candidates. She may be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
