"I can be whoever I want to be": Using photovoice to understand online student experiences

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Student Experiences in Online Learning Environments

Abstract

Despite robust research in online teaching and learning, the lived experiences of online students remain understudied. Online students’ live complex lives, working part- or full-time, while maintaining part- or full-time enrollment in educational programs and managing professional and family responsibilities. As such this study asks, "What does online learning allow students to do or be?" This study used online photovoice to examine the lived experiences of online, degree-seeking, undergraduate students. A thematic analysis was interpreted using the pragmatic iterative approach to qualitative data analysis. We interpreted several results. Students reported online education allowed them to (a) pursue a career or work throughout their educational experience, (2) support their families, (3) engage in meaningful hobbies, and (4) live out their values.

Authors

• Margaretta Underhill, Oregon State University

• Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, Oregon State University