Dissertation
Experiences of students with specific learning disabilities as they transition to online college
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011545
Abstract
The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was to examine the relationship between high school Individualized Education Program (IEP) services and support services in online higher education among students with specific learning disabilities. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed first to identify patterns and relationships, followed by qualitative interviews designed to provide deeper insight into students' experiences related to these findings. This study explored students' perspectives and insights regarding their transition from K-12 IEP support to online collegiate support services and examined how online higher education currently supports students with specific learning disabilities. Findings from this study revealed that many challenges students with specific learning disabilities face when transitioning to virtual higher education are similar to those experienced by their peers without learning disabilities. However, these students also face additional barriers to accessing support services in a more independent learning environment. Re-envisioning the design and services of virtual collegiate education to reflect generational changes influenced by technology and the COVID-19 pandemic may help address these challenges. By prioritizing accessibility and listening to the perspectives of students with specific learning disabilities, virtual higher education environments can better support student success.
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Details
- Title
- Experiences of students with specific learning disabilities as they transition to online college
- Creators
- Haley Kirkpatrick
- Contributors
- Bridget Blakely (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- viii, 96 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Arts and Sciences; School of Education; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022203157704721