After months of preparation, refining my research questions, and navigating the IRB process, I’m excited to share that I am officially beginning data collection for my dissertation! This milestone marks the start of an in-depth exploration of online course design quality at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), with Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) as my case study site. Given BMCC’s leadership in online education among TCUs, it is an ideal setting for this research. As someone who began their professional career at a TCU and continues to teach at one, this research holds both personal and professional significance for me.
Why This Research Matters
Quality assurance in online learning is a critical issue, yet existing frameworks often fail to fully account for the unique needs of TCUs and Indigenous learners, particularly when it comes to assessing quality in ways that honor Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogies. The landscape of online education has evolved significantly, especially in response to recent global shifts in higher education because of COVID. However, research on online course design at TCUs remains limited. My research aims to bridge this gap by exploring the criteria, rubrics, and practices used to evaluate online courses at BMCC. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of how online education can be designed to serve Indigenous students effectively while maintaining high standards of quality.
Recruiting Participants
With IRB approval in place, I have now moved into the recruitment phase. I previously met with BMCC’s Dean of Distance Education to discuss who would be the best fit for this study, ensuring that I connect with individuals who are actively involved in online course design and quality assessment. As part of this process, I have reached out to selected faculty, administrators, and staff members whose insights will be invaluable in understanding how online course quality is assessed at BMCC.
So far, I have heard from seven individuals who are interested in participating, and I am hoping to recruit at least 10-12 participants overall. Their insights and perspectives will help shed light on both the successes and challenges of ensuring high-quality, culturally relevant online learning at BMCC.
What Participation Involves
Participants will engage in semi-structured interviews where they can share their experiences, challenges, and strategies related to online course design. These conversations will provide rich qualitative data to inform my analysis and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how TCUs navigate online education. As a small token of appreciation, participants will receive a $10 Starbucks or Amazon gift card for their time.
Connecting My Research to EDLI’s Work
In addition to contributing to the understanding of online course design quality at TCUs, my research aligns with ongoing initiatives within EDLI. As part of EDLI’s research on generative AI impacts in higher education, we are actively working on a grant proposal that requires collaboration with a community college or tribal college. BMCC has already agreed to partner with us in this endeavor, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to advancing online learning and educational equity. My research at BMCC provides valuable insights into course design quality within Indigenous-serving institutions, which can help inform the development of AI-driven tools and frameworks that support culturally responsive online education. This intersection of research and applied innovation highlights the potential for broader impact, ensuring that emerging technologies are leveraged to meet the unique needs of TCUs and their communities.
Looking Ahead
The next steps involve scheduling and conducting interviews, followed by analysis of the data collected. I am eager to learn from the experiences and expertise of those who shape online learning at BMCC and to share findings that could benefit TCUs more broadly.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this research journey so far. I look forward to sharing updates as the study progresses!