EDU 738Fall 2010

Lauren ConveryMelissa DiLiegroDeclan Murtagh

Problem Online courses are gaining in popularity. According to the Sloan Consortium (2010), 4.6

million students are enrolling in online courses. These courses provide many benefits to both

students and universities. In addition to the convenience they offer, online courses actually save both groups money.

However, the retention rates of online courses are lower than those classes held on campus.

Universities need to figure out how to make these classes more successful experiences for the students who enroll in them.

In order to do this, variables that lead to retention must be identified.

Hypothesis/Research Questions What variables contribute to students’ retention in online learning?

What variables contribute to students’ withdrawal from online learning?

Sample

A convenience sample was used, limiting participants to those students currently enrolled in the online sections of EDU738.

31 invitations were sent out resulting in a total of 21 participants

all are students at Salem State University

Design

Causal-comparative study Survey research Participants included those enrolled in

EDU 738 who returned the consent form Total of 21 participants Participants were given one week to

complete a 20 question survey lasting approximately 10-15 minutes

Instrument

Researcher-generated survey via Survey Monkey

Contained 21 questionsMostly closed-ended including questions

about:○ Demographics○ Educational background○ Opinions & experience with online education

Overall Results

86 % of respondents have never withdrawn from an online course

Sample was made up of roughly 90% females and 10% males

Characteristics of Participants Who Have Withdrawn 100% did not receive

any prior training 66% never took an

online course before 66% stated family &

personal conflicts as the primary reason for withdrawing

50% were male participants

33% maintained a high school GPA of at least 3.95

Characteristics of Participants Who Have Never Withdrawn 86% of participants 94% live 10 or more

miles away from Salem State University

83% received preparation courses beforehand

78% had previously taken an online course

Implications What can universities do to help?

Offer training for first time online course usersConsider offering more combination classes

(with both online and face to face components)

Areas for future research:Does GPA matter?What kinds of technology supports are helpful to

students enrolled in online courses?Is there a link between distance from university

and success in online classes?