Peer observation in the online learning environment: The case of Aviation Higher Education

Abstract

Distance education has emerged as an issue of high importance in the field of aviation higher education (Prather, 2006; Scarpelline & Bowen, 2001). Fullingim (2011) suggests that training needs in the aviation industry are expected to grow by more than 40 percent over the next two decades. Online learning offers great potential in meeting this increased demand (Raisinghani et al., 2005). In this chapter, we discuss the underlying factors challenging the delivery of online aviation higher education. We argue the need for teaching skills in higher education associated with online delivery methods. We review the transition to online education in aviation by considering the underlying pedagogical approaches to learning and teaching in the years of technical training that preceded professional pilot training in the higher education environment.