Impact of Graduates from an Online Program in Their Work Environment

Online distance education programs are populated by adult learners who try to continue or complete their education without having to leave their jobs or places of residence. Their work environment becomes not just their working place, but also the lab where they apply new knowledge. The general expectation is that after graduation they will make an impact in their work environment through their job and through interacting with peers and supervisors. This study explored the influence that K-12 teachers had in their work environment as they pursued and graduated from an online Master's program in Education. The study shows the impact that the participants had and how they became agents of change in their immediate workplace. (Contains 1 figure, 2 tables, and 3 notes.)