Virtual Support for Instructional Improvement: Exploring Web-Based Technology as a Vehicle for Ongoing External Assistance

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Innovations for School Improvement

Abstract

Education reforms over the last several decades have relied heavily on outside assistance to help schools increase capacity for improving outcomes. Studies of both effective and ineffective assistance models point to several key practices and recommendations, but investing in sustained outside assistance is increasingly difficult for school budgets. This study explored the potential of virtual technologies to provide cost effective, blended models of ongoing external assistance. Video-taped meetings, interviews, focus groups, and implementation rubrics were used to study virtual support for implementation of school-wide inquiry teams at five elementary and two middle schools. Results provide initial evidence that some schools might benefit from a blended model of assistance as an adequate substitute for traditional site-based external support services.

Authors

• Bradley A. Ermeling, Pearson Research and Innovation Network

• Tim Tatsui, Pearson Education