Attrition in Online and Campus Degree Programs Naugle

Summary:

I choose to read Belinda Patterson and Cheryl McFadden article on Attrition in Online and Campus Degree Programs this study choose to look at delivery method of education (face-to-face vs. online) and dropout rate of MBA students in two difference programs. Academic and demographic characteristics were controlled for. This study answered the following research questions:

1. To what extent does the dropout rate vary by instructional delivery mode, online versus campus face-to-face, for each selected master’s degree program?
2. What are the demographic and academic characteristics significantly associated with student persistence or dropout in master’s degree programs?
3. How do the demographic and academic variables significantly associated with student dropout differ between the two delivery modes, online versus face-to-face?

The researched showed significantly more students dropped out of the online program (43%) vs. the on campus face-to-face program (11%). They also found that older students were more likely to drop out as compared to younger students. Those in the campus face-to-face program who did drop out had a similar GPA, a higher GMAT score and were older than those who persisted. There were no significant differences in GPA, GMAT scores, or age in those who persisted vs. dropped out of the online courses.

It was found that online program delivery is feasible, but the format of course delivery will need considerable planning and development to be as successful as face-to-face instruction. They also found academic and social factors influence dropout rates and vary from degree programs and delivery formats.

My Thoughts:

After reading this article I checked its publication date, wondering how current it is and thinking the age of the study could affect its validity. The study was published in the summer of 2009, relatively recent and newer than I expected. I have had the opportunity to experience online education, I enjoy the convenience of it, but (especially in the beginning) underestimated the challenges it would present. I choose to get my Master’s online because of my job, I needed to work while going to school-I would have likes to see the study add the additional control of job. Older students are more likely to have families to support, and if the data for this study was collected during the economic down turn how many of the online students lost their jobs and with that their ability to pay for school?

Online education is rapidly changing and evolving, and still has kinks to workout. This can make it difficult to continue to your education if you are a guinea pig. The study did not tell how old the online program was, I’d be interested to see information on dropout rates and the age of the distance program. This study did mention that online education is viable, and does provide the same education as face-to-face programs. But also stated it has a way to go before it can be as effective (persistence/graduation rates) as face-to-face programs.

http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/summer122/patterson112.html