Does Prior Distance Learning Make a Difference? Examining Student Perceptions and Preferences

• In Event: Poster Session 19
  In Poster Session: Online Learners’ Strategies, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Abstract

K-12 online learning has grown substantially. While there are many reasons for this growth, some proponents argue K-12 students need to engage in online learning to prepare them for future learning opportunities that will inevitably be online. In a case study, students who had completed at least one distance education course were surveyed during their first and fourth year of post-secondary studies. We found self-regulatory learning behaviors frequently linked to positive experiences and outcomes in online and distance education courses were equally apparent in all of the participating university students regardless of whether or not they had previously studied online. These findings suggest high school students do not gain independent learning skills and attitudes through learning in an online environment.

Authors

• Dale Kirby, Memorial University

• Michael Kristopher Barbour, Wayne State University

• Dennis B. Sharpe, Memorial University