EDU 738 Fall 2010 Lauren Convery Melissa DiLiegro Declan Murtagh.
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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86 % of respondents have never withdrawn from an online course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Characteristics of Participants Who Have Withdrawn 100% did not receive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Characteristics of Participants Who Have Never Withdrawn 86% of participants 94% live 10 or more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?
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