Student Perceptions of Enhancing the Internship Experience for Online Principal Preparation Programs

Principal preparation programs understand the need for relevant internship activities that bridge the gap between theory and practice (Anast-May, Buckner, & Geer, 2011; Darling-Hammond, LaPointe, Meyerson, Orr, & Cohen (2007). Principal preparation programs utilizing distance technology are also charged with meeting this expectation and the electronic learning technologies have changed learning from restrictive to flexible, accessible, and innovative (Tseng & Gardner, 2016). The internship is a widely accepted program component of principal preparation that provides the student with actual administrative experience during the certification process; however, despite the mandates from national accreditation organizations and state certification agencies, the literature is replete with criticisms concerning the effectiveness of the internship experience (Cheney & Davis, 2011; Darling-Hammond et al., 2007; Fry, Bottoms, & O’Neill, 2005; Perez et al., 2011). Limited data in the form of student feedback, especially as it pertains to learner perceptions of the internship experience, have been collected (Gordon, Oliver, & Solis, 2016). According to Thiede (2012), it is important for faculty to seek out and study what students are thinking and saying about online education as most higher education institutions’ future enrollments may be predicated upon quality online courses

Parent Perspectives of Digital Learning Experiences: A Phenomenological Study

Digital learning is a rising method of enhancing education for learners in the K-12 sector of learning. The growing approach to instruction has created a pathway for various backgrounds of learners to conveniently explore content from home. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine parent perspectives of K-12 digital learning programs in southeast Texas. More so, the study explored how parents’ perspectives of digital learning in relation to academic success influenced the selected mode of instruction for their child. Using a phenomenological approach, research questions were answered regarding parent perspectives of digital learning, as related to the quality of instruction, academic success, and the overall decision for the mode of instruction selected for their child. Findings revealed responsibility and accountability, proficiency, competency, and knowledge of how to assist children while learning contributed to parents’ perspective of digital learning and its influence on their child’s academic success. Furthermore, findings discovered teacher experience, skills, and interactions influenced parents’ perspectives of the quality of instruction received and their decision to select digital learning as the mode of instruction for their child. Results from this research can provide instructional leaders with insight into areas to strengthen training practices for teachers in the digital learning environment