Does Geographic Distance Matter in Distance Education?

• In Event: Transformative Research in Online Graduate Programs

Abstract

This study aims to determine if geographic distance has a significant impact on students’ online learning experience. Based on an online master’s program in Geographic Information System, this study calculates the distance between students’ residences and the program location, and employs a hierarchical linear regression model to examine how well geographic distance can predict a student’s online learning performance, satisfaction, and length of time to complete the program, when controlling for the other relevant factors. The research findings suggest that geographic distance is not a significant factor for distance education, and reveal several interesting discoveries regarding the relationship between students’ demographic characteristics and online learning experience.

Authors

• Heng Patrick Luo, The Pennsylvania State University

• Anthony Robinson, John A. Dutton e-Education Institute

• Jim Detwiler, John A. Dutton e-Education Institute