Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Keywords

Distance education; Web-based instruction; Motivation in education; Learning, Psychology of; Telecommunication in education;

Abstract

Many factors influence learners' decisions to complete or drop out of online learning courses in higher education where learners' persistence is considered critical to the success of the higher education institutions. This review examines recent literature on the relationship between learners' perceived Sense of Community (SOC), Social Presence, Satisfaction, and Participation and Interactions in distance education courses and learner persistence. Over 30 peer-reviewed studies published in academic journals within the past ten years were selected for critical analysis. Results are mixed and while many studies imply relationships between various learner and institution characteristics and student persistence, significant correlations are often lacking. Given the increasing popularity of on line education in higher education, identifying the characteristics of both successful students and of successful online learning environments warrants further investigation.

Year of Submission

2014

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor

Ping Gao

Comments

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Date Original

2014

Object Description

1 PDF file (iv, 39 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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