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Career Progress in Online and Blended Learning Environments

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Abstract

Objective

The authors examined the career achievement of early- and mid-career researchers in social, behavioral, and mental health who participated in a career-development conference.

Method

Trainees participated in a career-development conference either through attending a live conference supplemented with an online version of the conference (Combined: N=46) or through the online version of the conference alone (Web-Only: N=60). An objective measure tracked the trainees’ publications, involvement in research projects, honors and grant awards, collaborations, and scientific presentations before and 9 months after participation in the career-development conference.

Results

Statistical analysis showed that trainees improved for each category measured, with no significant differences across the Combined and Web-Only groups. The strongest variable affecting improvement was Time, and the most significant time effect was seen in the production of presentations and publications. A significant Gender difference was present, with women showing greater total career progress than men.

Conclusion

Career-development conferences can support career growth for trainees. Online training provides a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to in-person methods, while still enhancing key markers of career progress.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 3-C Institute for Social Development, Cary, NC

    Melissa DeRosier Ph.D., Rebecca Kameny Ph.D., Wendy Holler M.A., Naomi Ornstein Davis Ph.D. & Emily Maschauer M.S.

Authors
  1. Melissa DeRosier Ph.D.
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  2. Rebecca Kameny Ph.D.
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  3. Wendy Holler M.A.
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  4. Naomi Ornstein Davis Ph.D.
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  5. Emily Maschauer M.S.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Melissa DeRosier Ph.D..

Additional information

The authors thank the faculty and trainees of the Career Development Institutes and the Leadership Training Institute, without whom none of this research would have been possible. In particular, Dr. David Kupfer’s guidance and commitment to research training are greatly appreciated.

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DeRosier, M., Kameny, R., Holler, W. et al. Career Progress in Online and Blended Learning Environments. Acad Psychiatry 37, 98–103 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.11070137

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.11070137

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