This study considered Appalachian Ohio public school district superintendents and high school principals and their perceptions of and experiences with online courses. Paper and pen surveys were mailed to all superintendents and principals in the 29 county Appalachian Ohio region. Of the 263 survey packets mailed, 77% of the principals and 74% of the superintendents responded to the survey.
Of the returned surveys, 55% of the high schools in the region reported offering online courses to students. This is considerably higher than the national average. Schools not offering online learning opportunities had larger student bodies, offered more traditional Advanced Placement courses, and had principles with fewer years experience in the position. Administrators agreed that online courses required independent and responsible learners.
Analysis of the closed-ended survey items revealed principals and superintendents agreed that online courses could be used to expand course offerings including Advanced Placement courses, for remediation, and for homebound students. Principals and superintendents reported that online courses should only be used as an alternative and not a replacement for the traditional classroom.
Analysis of the open-ended survey items showed administrators had strong reservations toward using online courses for anything but an alternative to the traditional classroom. Administrators cited lack of student motivation and lack of social interaction as particular problems with online courses. Several administrators who were happy with their online program cited the use of a mentor as key to a student’s completion and achievement in an online course.