The working conditions of BC teachers working in distributed learning

Given the changes in government policy, the rapid expansion of information technology in the delivery of K–12 education, and the limited data and information on the impact of these changes, a multi-method research project exploring the working conditions of BC teachers working in distributed learning was undertaken. [...] Purpose The purpose of the project was: • to explore working conditions for teachers working in distributed-learning programs; • to identify local similarities and differences in the application of DL at the local level; • to monitor the implementation and impact of Bill 33 as it relates to distributed learning; • to assist with the development of a local technology plan; • to provide members with [...] The purpose of this data collection was to familiarize ourselves with the various distributed-learning models available in the province, to identify issues related to teacher working conditions in the various districts, and to collect information that could be used in the development of a questionnaire. [...] In acknowledgement of the development and expansion of information technology (primarily computers and the internet), in 1998 the government expanded the number of districts providing DE to eighteen, and changed the name of correspondence education to distance education. [...] Many of the issues and concerns will be familiar and applicable to a face-to-face working and learning setting, but the focus here is on the experience of distributed learning teachers in this study.