This paper argues that identity may be key to understanding why social presence has been considered so important to successful learning experiences. A qualitative case study of 10 students and 4 tutors in an online postgraduate education program was conducted. The research applied the work of Goffman to explain the relationship between social…

This article outlines a collaborative study between higher education institutions in Australia, which qualitatively explored the online learning experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The project adopted a narrative inquiry approach and encouraged students to "story" their experiences of this virtual environment,…

This collaborative research project sought to determine the attributes, skills and expertise/knowledge needed by distance language teachers. The first phase of the project explored tutor perspectives using discussion groups, questionnaires, interviews and a yoked-subject technique. Statements and categories of expertise were identified, elaborated…

This article considers the uses and non-uses of digital technology by international distance learners. It draws upon data from in-depth interviews with 60 learners from around the world following distance education degree courses provided by a large UK federal university. The article focuses firstly on learners' descriptions of technology's role…

To improve student retention in distance education, Simpson suggested in 2003 that institutions analyse their own retention characteristics and "spot the leaks." In 2008 the Centre for Distance Learning at Laidlaw College, New Zealand, employed two part-time academic support coordinators in an effort to improve student retention and…

Outlines a conceptual framework for investigating distance education students' attitudes toward education and describes the results of a study. Concepts discussed are socialization, including influences of the educational institution, work, family, and friends; professionalization; feelings of power and control over work and career; and reasons…

Investigates the environment of distance students with reference to the problems caused by "study plus work" and "study plus work plus family." Transcripts of extended interviews were analyzed to present a picture of the social and psychological environment of the students. (Author)

Discussion of the use of computer conferencing by higher education institutions offering distance education courses focuses on a study that investigated adult student perceptions of distance study by computer conferencing. Highlights include a literature review; learning approaches; student relationships; and an Adult Distance Study through…

This study explores the use of distance study materials for resource-based learning in on-campus education. Describes use of the Jevons/Northcott typology for investigating the pedagogical use of distance learning materials, and discusses results of classroom observation, student diaries, lecturer interviews, and student questionnaires.…

Reports results of an investigation into the complexities of student attrition in a distance education course at the University of Sydney. Results of interviews were divided into four main categories: situational, including a student's particular circumstances; dispositional, including student attitudes; institutional; and epistemological,…

Describes research conducted in the United Kingdom that asked Open University distance education students what type of assignment feedback they would like to receive. Interviews with 22 students are discussed that ascertained their views regarding feedback on tutor-marked assignments and computer-marked assignments. (Author/LRW)

Seven in-employment postgraduate Master's level students in an e-learning unit participated in this research, designed to identify tensions between participation in a community of learning that was part of their studies, and participation in the communities of practice that they were engaged in at their workplaces. It was hypothesised that…

The purpose of this study is to describe forum participation of international graduate students who speak English as a foreign language in two Web-based graduate courses. Research questions focused around how linguistic and cultural differences impact nonnative speaking international students' perception of classroom participation, what effect…