Online education and its operational attractions to traditional and non-traditional college students

Amber A. Smith, David P. Synowka and Alan D. Smith

International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking, 2015, vol. 5, issue 1, 37-73

Abstract: With global recessionary pressures still applying pressures to reduce costs and make educational services more convenient, many people previously employed found unemployment more the norm. Part of this problem may be due to lacking skills to find professional employment jobs. In an effort to promote improved marketability and enhance employment skills, many people return to college to further their education. To study the needs of students and professionals, a 54-question survey was developed and used to statistically test certain assumptions concerning information technological sophistication, preferences of educational delivery systems, personal motivational factors associated with their instructional preference at two large universities open house. It was found that traditional and non-traditional students felt that they were able to do well in an online environment, but the non-traditional group felt more on-task and focused on objectives. Interestingly, students with mobile technologies (i.e., laptops and tablets) were more inclined to take online courses, probably due to portable devices and the convenience factor.

Keywords: hybrid degrees; information technology; IT sophistication; educational delivery systems; personal motivation; instructional preferences; non-traditional students; online education; time management; traditional students; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; universities; higher education; online courses. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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