ERIC Number: EJ1068396
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Jul
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1547-500X
EISSN: N/A
The Effect of Professor's Attractiveness on Distance Learning Students
Liu, Jeanny; Tomasi, Stella D.
Journal of Educators Online, v12 n2 p142-165 Jul 2015
Technology enabled learning is becoming more popular and pervasive in education. While the effectiveness of distance learning versus traditional classroom education is strongly debated, human factors such as students' perception of their professors can influence their desire to learn. This research examines the perceptual effect of attractive professors on business students enrolled in distance learning courses. This study expands on prior studies by testing whether the attractiveness of the professor matters to student learning within the context of online learning environment. A total of 122 online business students were surveyed. Our findings suggest that professor's attractiveness has a statistically significant effect on student learning, motivation, and satisfaction. In addition, online students perceived attractive professors with more expertise as an instructor. Female students had higher motivation than male students. Furthermore, separate analysis indicated that attractiveness effects were stronger for participants over the age 46 when compared to other groups.[The volume number (13) shown on the PDF is incorrect.]
Descriptors: Distance Education, Electronic Learning, College Faculty, Teacher Characteristics, Human Body, Interpersonal Attraction, Student Attitudes, Student Surveys, Teacher Influence, Learning Motivation, Gender Differences, Age Differences, College Students, Teacher Student Relationship, Hypothesis Testing, Content Analysis, Likert Scales, Expertise, Teacher Effectiveness, Online Courses, Satisfaction, Stereotypes, Student Evaluation of Teacher Performance, Business Administration Education
Journal of Educators Online. 500 University Drive, Dothan, AL 36303. Web site: http://www.thejeo.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A