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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