Understanding Student Perceptions and Motivations in Non-Traditional Online Degree Completion Programs: An Exploratory Case Study
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| Title: | Understanding Student Perceptions and Motivations in Non-Traditional Online Degree Completion Programs: An Exploratory Case Study |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Susan Watson (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Adult and Continuing Education. 2024 30(2):502-531. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 30 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Intended Audience: | Administrators; Teachers |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Student Attitudes, Student Motivation, Employer Attitudes, Student Educational Objectives, Academic Degrees, Nontraditional Education, Distance Education, Compensation (Remuneration), Barriers, Family School Relationship, Online Courses, Research Universities, Social Sciences, Bachelors Degrees, MOOCs, Undergraduate Students, Student Characteristics |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| DOI: | 10.1177/14779714241235599 |
| ISSN: | 1477-9714 1479-7194 |
| Abstract: | Student enrolment in higher education is increasing, as are enrolments in non-traditional pathways, such as degree completion programs, particularly those that are offered online. These changes have shifted the nature of student learning needs and perceptions. Therefore, stakeholders in higher education need a greater understanding of the drivers and obstacles to degree completion from the student point of view, especially in online degree completion programs. Beyond overall and subgroup insights into online degree seeking motivations and other factors, our findings revealed that (1) there is a mismatch between student goals and perceived employer needs, (2) many students expected modest financial gains upon completion, and (3) the primary barrier of continuing higher education was balancing education and life responsibilities. The findings are useful for administrators, faculty, and other stakeholders involved in the recruitment of online degree completion program students and the design of online courses and curricula for this audience. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1444683 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Student enrolment in higher education is increasing, as are enrolments in non-traditional pathways, such as degree completion programs, particularly those that are offered online. These changes have shifted the nature of student learning needs and perceptions. Therefore, stakeholders in higher education need a greater understanding of the drivers and obstacles to degree completion from the student point of view, especially in online degree completion programs. Beyond overall and subgroup insights into online degree seeking motivations and other factors, our findings revealed that (1) there is a mismatch between student goals and perceived employer needs, (2) many students expected modest financial gains upon completion, and (3) the primary barrier of continuing higher education was balancing education and life responsibilities. The findings are useful for administrators, faculty, and other stakeholders involved in the recruitment of online degree completion program students and the design of online courses and curricula for this audience. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1477-9714 1479-7194 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/14779714241235599 |
