The Online Community College Experience: Factors Impacting Access and Equity

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding First and Early College Experiences as Online Learners

Abstract

Online higher education serves a relatively homogeneous population and several student populations experience achievement gaps in course retention and completion. This study explores the perceptions of online higher education to identify potential factors that inhibit access. Document analysis, qualitative survey responses, informal interviews, and public recordings of online student testimonials were collected and analyzed. Findings revealed that student online readiness, structured online courses, and positive online learning experiences impact access. These factors are outlined by institutions, faculty, and counselors, but student perspectives and experiences reveal details about how these factors impact the accessibility of online higher education. Student voice and perspective is necessary to successfully implement equitable online courses and programs, or they risk perpetuating persistent educational opportunity and achievement gaps.

Author

• Samantha Kessler, Chabot College