Poster #28 - Factors Contributing to Student Retention in Online Learning and Recommended Strategies for Improvement: A Systematic Literature Review

• In Event: 77.059 - MTCC Tuesday Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 77.059-3 - Learning and Instruction

Abstract

Flexibility, convenience, and accessibility are among the advantages of online education. While online learning is increasingly popular, and the number of online students is steadily growing, student retention rates are significantly lower than in the traditional environment. Despite decades of studies, many institutions are still battling with this matter. Hence, a systematic literature review was conducted on 39 studies, published between 2010 to 2017, investigating student retention in online learning within higher education setting. Guided by Open Systems framework in which several elements of institution are influential in contributing toward success, the results revealed the underlying factors associated with student retention. Further findings present recommended strategies for improvement, offering contribution to research and practices in student retention topic.

Authors

• Pauline Salim Muljana, Old Dominion University

• Tian Luo, Old Dominion University