Dissertation
Choosing to participate in e-learning education: a study of undergraduate students' diverse perceptions, attitudes, and self-identified barriers to e-learning
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
01 May 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6426
Abstract
E-learning is a recent technological innovation that has undergraduate students deciding whether or not they want to participate in this type of course offering. students' attitudes, perceptions, and learning styles influence those decisions to participate. The problem presented in this study is that institutions of higher education are attempting to provide a more comprehensive and effective academic environment by incorporating e-learning methods, but they do not yet fully understand how undergraduate students perceive e-learning and what barriers may impact their decisions to participate in the various course delivery options. The purpose of this quantitative study was to empirically examine the relationship between undergraduate students' perceptions of and self-identified barriers to participating in e-learning opportunities at a midsized liberal arts university in southern New Jersey. Three research questions were addressed, driven by the main question: What is the relationship between undergraduate students' perceptions of and self-identified barriers to participating in e-learning opportunities at a midsized liberal arts college in southern New Jersey? This cross-sectional survey study utilized a 5-point Likert scale that was further analyzed by using chi-square tests of independence. Of the 352 cross-tabulations investigated, 66 (18.8%) showed significant differences between the eight demographic variables and students' perceptions and self-identified barriers. Significant findings from this research showed that students see e-learning courses as requiring more self-discipline and needing the willingness to teach oneself. Lack of community and connection to instructors and peers is also a significant concern for students. An unexpected discovery was that regardless of race or ethnicity, students reported that they do not have difficulty accessing the necessary technology or internet in order to participate in an online course.
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Details
- Title
- Choosing to participate in e-learning education
- Creators
- Dawn Marie Konrady - DU
- Contributors
- Joyce A. Pittman (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6426; 991014632615704721