Factors influencing students' choice of study mode: an Australian case study

Dirk Ifenthaler, Maree Gosper, Matthew Bailey, Mandy Kretzschmar

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Despite the expansion of online and blended learning, as well as open education, little research has been undertaken on what motivates students to enrol in particular study modes at university level. This project addresses this gap in higher education research by exploring the reasons why humanities students choose to study through specific modes.The research was conducted between October 2013 and March 2014 administering three waves of data collection to over 700 students who were enrolled in humanities units being offered simultaneously through three different modes: on-campus, distance, and open and online. The findings suggest that students choose different enrolment modes based on factors such as personal, learning support, environment,advise and marketing, teaching and learning as well as logistics. However, the importance students ascribe to particular factors changes during their educational experience. This study found significant differences in the importance of factors betweeninitial and subsequent choices of enrolment mode, suggesting that the 'lived' experience of students at university influences their perception of which factors are important.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication11th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age, CELDA 2014
    Place of PublicationLisbon, Portugal
    PublisherIADIS
    Pages195-203
    Number of pages9
    ISBN (Print)9781634399296
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    Event11th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age, CELDA 2014 - Porto, Portugal
    Duration: 25 Oct 201427 Oct 2014

    Other

    Other11th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age, CELDA 2014
    Country/TerritoryPortugal
    CityPorto
    Period25/10/1427/10/14

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