1 Author: Schwalbe, Andrew, M Perceived Value of ...

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Author: Schwalbe, Andrew, M Title: Perceived Value of Professional Certifications as Professional Development

for Information Technology Instructors in the Wisconsin Technical College System

The accompanying research report is submitted to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Graduate School in partial

completion of the requirements for the

Graduate Degree/ Major: MS Career and Technical Education

Research Adviser: Carol Mooney, Ph.D.

Submission Term/Year: Summer, 2012

Number of Pages: 73 Style Manual Used: American Psychological Association, 6th edition

I understand that this research report must be officially approved by the Graduate School and that an electronic copy of the approved version will be made available through the University Library website

I attest that the research report is my original work (that any copyrightable materials have been used with the permission of the original authors), and as such, it is automatically protected by the laws, rules, and regulations of the U.S. Copyright Office.

My research adviser has approved the content and quality of this paper.

STUDENT:

NAME Andrew Schwalbe

DATE: 7/12/2012

ADVISER: (Committee Chair if MS Plan A or EdS Thesis or Field Project/Problem):

NAME Carol T. Mooney

DATE: 7/12/2012

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Schwalbe, Andrew M. Perceived Value of Professional Certifications as Professional Development for Information Technology Instructors in the Wisconsin Technical College System

Abstract This research was focused on identifying the perceptions of information technology certifications as a form of professional development for information technology instructors within the Wisconsin Technical College System. The research objectives were to detail the advantages, disadvantages, and most beneficial certifications as perceived by certified and uncertified instructors. The research included a literature review of certifications and adult stage learning theory, and reviewed the current perceived advantages and disadvantages of certification in industry and education. To address the research objectives a survey was conducted. It utilized a web-based questionnaire that asked instructors questions regarding current professional certifications they may hold, and the benefits they received from those certifications in the past and would receive from current employers. In addition, all respondents were asked to rate perceived and of certification. This research found that the majority of instructors had obtained at least one certification and perceived certification as leading to high credibility and marketability. Perceived disadvantages include the cost of certification and the absence of rewards for pursuing certification. Furthermore, uncertified instructors were found to perceive certifications less favorably than certified instructors. This research recommends that instructor growth through professional certification programs is best suited for CompTIA, Microsoft, and Cisco certifications. The research also suggested that motivation for certification is based primarily on extrinsic rewards such as increased salary and advancement opportunities.

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Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge a few people who have been critical for helping me complete my graduate studies. First and foremost, I owe much of my accomplishments to my wife Sarah for steadfastly supporting me through the next phase of my career. Her positive attitude and continual motivation helped to provide focus during difficult times. Secondly to Dr. Carol Mooney for providing consistent direction and feedback that has become critical to my success. Lastly, I am grateful to be graduating with those that were as eager to learn and work toward a common goal as I was: a fantastic group of students and professionals in the M.S. in Career and Technical Education, Northeast Wisconsin cohort. Thank you all.

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Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................Page Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 2 List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. 6 Chapter I: Introduction.................................................................................................................... 7

Statement of the Problem.................................................................................................... 8 Purpose of the Study ........................................................................................................... 9 Assumptions of the Study ................................................................................................. 10 Definition of Terms........................................................................................................... 10 Limitations of the Study.................................................................................................... 11 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 12 Chapter II: Literature Review ....................................................................................................... 13 Background of Professional Certification......................................................................... 13 Stage Theory of Adult Development ................................................................................ 16 Advantages of Professional Certification ......................................................................... 17 Disadvantages of Professional Certification ..................................................................... 19 Chapter III: Methodology ............................................................................................................. 22 Subject Selection and Description .................................................................................... 22 Instrumentation ................................................................................................................. 23 Data Collection Procedures............................................................................................... 24 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................... 24 Limitations ........................................................................................................................ 25 Chapter IV: Results....................................................................................................................... 26 Description of the Sample................................................................................................. 26 Perceived Advantages of Certification ............................................................................. 29

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Perceived Disadvantages of Certification ......................................................................... 36 Perceived Beneficial Certifications................................................................................... 41 Additional Perceptions...................................................................................................... 48 Chapter V: Discussion .................................................................................................................. 51 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 51 Limitations ........................................................................................................................ 52 Discussion of Findings...................................................................................................... 53 Conclusions....................................................................................................................... 56 Recommendations............................................................................................................. 57 References..................................................................................................................................... 59 Appendix A: Sample Gathering.................................................................................................... 63 Appendix B: Survey Instrument ................................................................................................... 64 Appendix C: Participant Correspondence..................................................................................... 73

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