NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: ED546432
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 109
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2676-4949-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Academic Predictors of Online Course Success in the Community College
Hawkins, Christy D.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Old Dominion University
The purpose of this study was to identify academic factors that might predict online course success for community college students. Online course success was a focus of national research and debate as studies consistently indicated lower success rates in online courses as compared to traditional courses; however, research that identified academic predictors to guide the development of policies and services that support student success in online courses was limited. A random sample of 20 online course sections held at one multi-campus, urban community college resulted in 491 enrollees being examined for seventy-eight factors that might predict online course success. Factors present "prior" to online course enrollment included GPA; test scores; developmental coursework in reading, writing, and mathematics; college-level coursework in specific disciplines; and enrollment history. Factors present "during" the semester of online course enrollment included student status, current enrollment measures such as total number of courses attempted, total credits, and course duration. Demographic factors included gender, age, race/ethnicity, financial aid status, and geographic proximity to campus. Data extracted from the student registration system included demographic characteristics, course rosters, test scores, and enrollment history. Data were grouped into three blocks prior to analysis: demographics, academic factors prior to online enrollment, and academic factors "during" online enrollment. An unordered logistical regression evaluated the predictive value of these factors for online course success. Results of the logistical regression analysis indicated that the predictor model did not provide a statistically significant improvement over the constant-only model; the addition of variables did not improve the ability to predict the outcome, online course success. Continued analysis identified four statistically significant predictors of online course success in community college students. For factors measured "prior" to enrollment, cumulative college GPA was a positive predictor of online course success. For demographic factors, geographic proximity to campus was a negative predictor of online course success. For factors present "during" enrollment, total courses attempted (during the semester studied) was a positive predictor, and total credits attempted (during the semester studied) was a negative predictor of online course success. The researcher concluded that online course success in community college students was a complex issue that could not be explained by academic factors alone and suggested that future studies attempting to predict online course success in community college students be comprehensive in addressing the multitude of academic, social, and other factors that may influence online course success. Additional suggestions for further study included evaluating the relationship individual factors have to online course success and seeking out student perspectives regarding online courses to determine other factors that contribute to successful and unsuccessful online course experiences for community college students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Two Year Colleges; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A