Experiences of Online and In-Person Learning: A Case Study of Doctoral Education

Alan Marvell () and Louise Livesey
Additional contact information
Alan Marvell: School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester GL2 9HW, UK
Louise Livesey: School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester GL2 9HW, UK

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: Teaching in a globalised world offers opportunities to reduce barriers, enhance understanding, and expand access for diverse learners. Blended approaches, combining in-person and online delivery, can encourage learning communities across geographical boundaries. However, disparities in access to technology, internet reliability, and conducive study environments highlight inequalities and varied learner experiences. While digital networks may support identity and belonging, some students report feeling distracted or disengaged in online settings. This study explores the experiences of first-year doctoral candidates completing the final taught module of their Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. Participants, mostly international students now based in the UK, are engaged in both in-person classes and online staff-led webinars. Data was gathered through four in-person focus groups. Engeström’s Cultural-Historical Activity Theory was applied as an analytical framework, conceptualising teaching and learning as an activity system mediated by Tools, Rules, Community, and Division of Labour. This enabled a comparison of students’ experiences in online and in-person contexts. The findings revealed contradictions within the system, identifying barriers to engagement and adaptation, and offering insights into the evolving pedagogical demands of blended doctoral education.

Keywords: online learning; in-person learning; blended learning; activity theory; pedagogy; doctoral education; Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/11/660/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/11/660/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:11:p:660-:d:1791504

Access Statistics for this article

Social Sciences is currently edited by Ms. Yvaine Sun

More articles in Social Sciences from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().