Studying Online: Student Motivations and Experiences in ALA-Accredited LIS Programs
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Anthony Shong-Yu Chow, Associate Professor (Creator)
- Fatih Oguz, Assistant Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: This paper presents a large scale study of online MLIS students (n=910), who completed at least one online course and were enrolled in 36 of the 58 ALA-accredited MLIS programs in Canada and the United States. The results indicate that the typical student is female, White, lives in an urban setting, and is in her mid-30s. Online students were found to be quite diverse, with statistically significant differences in their preferences and satisfaction across five demographic variables: age (generational cohort), employment status, urban status, commute distance, and program modality. Three motivations emerged: accommodation, predisposition, and selectivity, which influenced the respondents to choose online learning. The prevalent issues online MLIS students experienced were a sense of isolation from peers and instructors, and a lack of professional development and networking opportunities with peers. The findings have implications for enhancing MLIS online education including marketing, course offerings, and student support services.
Studying Online: Student Motivations and Experiences in ALA-Accredited LIS Programs
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Created on 9/17/2015
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Journal of Education for Library and Information Science
- Language: English
- Date: 2015
- Keywords
- online courses, distance education, student characteristics, rural/urban status, commute distance, student satisfaction, student motivations