Researcher Finds Not Everyone Can
Successfully Learn Through Online Courses, Despite Their Popularity
Main Category: Medical
Students / Training
Since the 1990s, online courses have provided an opportunity for busy adults to
continue their education by completing courses in the comfort of their own
homes. However, this may not be the best solution for everyone. A researcher at
the University of Missouri has found some students may find success in these
types of courses more easily than others.
Shawna L. Strickland, clinical assistant professor in the MU School of Health
Professions, studied the demographics and personality types of distance
learners.
"Correlations between learning styles and success in distance education
have shown to be inconclusive," Strickland said. "However, one common
theme reappears: the successful traits of a distance learner are similar to the
successful traits of an adult learner in traditional educational settings."
With a mere 30 percent of distance learners actually completing their courses,
learning more about the characteristics of these students would help educators
structure online courses to be as beneficial as possible. Considering the lack
of institutional support and isolation involved in the nature of online courses,
success in these courses requires a person that is determined and responsible,
Strickland said.
"The success of distance learning is dependent on communication among the
learner, his or her peers and the instructor," Strickland said. "To
encourage success in distance learning, it is necessary to evaluate each
individual's needs on a case-by-case basis."
One trait that aids in distance learning is related to personality type.
Strickland found those with quiet, introverted personalities are more likely to
feel comfortable with online learning courses. Shy individuals have a tendency
to be uninvolved in the typical classroom setting. Online courses allow them to
complete work on their own with a degree of anonymity.
"Distance learning allows the learner to overcome traditional barriers to
learning such as location, disabilities, time constraints and familial
obligations," Strickland said. "However, not every learner will be
successful in a distance learning environment."
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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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The study - "Understanding Successful Characteristics of Adult
Learners" - was published in the most recent edition of Respiratory Care
Education Annual.
Source: Jennifer Faddis
University of
Missouri-Columbia