title: Engaging Graduate-Level Distance Learners in Research: A Collaborative Investigation of Rural Aging.
abstract: Online educational programs pose challenges to nonresidential graduate students for whom research is a key professional development experience. In this article, the authors share their pedagogical approach to engaging graduate-level online distance learners in research. Five students enrolled in an online master's degree program participated in a directed research course designed to facilitate a semester-long, collaborative, hands-on research experience in gerontology. As such, students recruited participants and conducted phone interviews for a multisite study examining aging in place in rural areas. Several strategies were used to facilitate student engagement and learning, including: regular meetings with faculty mentors, creation of a research team across institutions, interactive training, and technological tools to aid in communication. The authors discuss the process of implementing the project, challenges that arose, strategies for dealing with these issues, and a pedagogical framework that could be used to guide future endeavors of this type.
authors: a Department of Human Development and Family Science , North Dakota State University , Fargo , North Dakota , USA.
authors: Melissa L
authors: ML
authors: O'Connor
authors: a Department of Human Development and Family Science , North Dakota State University , Fargo , North Dakota , USA.
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Fuller-Iglesias
authors: b Human Development and Family Science Department , Oklahoma State University , Stillwater , Oklahoma , USA.
authors: Alexander J
authors: AJ
authors: Bishop
authors: c Department of General Human Ecology , Kansas State University , Manhattan , Kansas , USA.
authors: Gayle
authors: G
authors: Doll
authors: d Department of Human Development, Family Sciences, and Rural Sociology , University of Arkansas , Fayetteville , Arkansas , USA.
authors: Timothy
authors: T
authors: Killian
authors: e Department of Human Development and Family Studies , Iowa State University , Ames , Iowa , USA.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Margrett
authors: f Department of Human Development and Family Studies , Texas Tech University , Lubbock , Texas , USA.
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Pearson-Scott
mesh_terms: D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D018579:Patient Selection; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D012424:Rural Population; D013663:Teaching
keywords: gerontology education; online learning; pedagological tools; research training