Distance learning (DL) is a way of
learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher
in the classroom. DL is further enhanced and stimulated by the interest created
among educators and technologists, all over the world, to experiment with
various forms of distance and flexible learning. Consequently, DL
has now emerged as one of the preferred options for millions of individuals who
wish to study and learn at their own place, in an atmosphere that is compatible
with their own needs and interests. However, some studies have shown that it was
harder to retain on-line learning students than face-to-face students and the
drop-out rate in DL appeared to be higher than that in traditional education.
Retention at educational
institutions plays a vital role in policy development. For this reason,
decision-makers working in higher educational institutions across the world
have to choose models that will optimally suit their student selection and
retention. AOU is the first university to use distance learning education
systems in Saudi Arabia, where the rest of the educational institutions are
using traditional forms of education.
In this study,
learner characteristics’ factors were examined to predict student withdrawal
from, or completion of, university distance education programs. The research
model was examined using face-to-face in-depth interviews followed by a pilot
sample of 127 students, and then re-examined among a sample of 587 students. A
quantitative approach was the dominant technique using factor analysis,
followed by discriminant analysis aimed at testing the predictive validity of
the distinguished factors in the light of withdrawal or completion.
The outcomes of this
empirical study indicate that having an independent learning style plays a
fundamental role in higher education. In particular, students who are more independent
and less influenced by their environment are more likely to be successful in
distance learning in comparison with students with a more traditional learning
style. Therefore, the specific design and application of distance learning is
of remarkable importance to stakeholders involved in all kinds of educational
institutions. Moreover, we may conclude that distance learning is not
appropriate for everyone.
Article by Manal
Ahmed Ibrahim and Beatrice I. J. M. Van der Heijden, from Saudi Arabia, The
Netherlands, UK, China and Belgium.
Full access: http://t.cn/EtDC7Ic
Image by Marina Shemesh, from
Flickr-cc.
评论
发表评论