Abstract
Despite the growth in online programs at universities throughout the United States, some graduate students still choose to enroll in face-to-face programs at predominantly online universities. This need for the delivery of graduate programs in a traditional format at these predominantly online universities, requires further research as there is a void in the literature. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the key factors influencing graduate students’ choices of these programs to complete their degrees. Glasser’s choice theory and Bandura’s self-efficacy theory guided this study. The overarching research question asked, what are the reasons graduate students choose to attend face-to-face programs at predominantly online institutions? The purposive sample included 20 graduate students who participated in face-to-face graduate programs at two predominantly online institutions in South Florida. Data were analyzed using NVivo qualitative software. Findings revealed three common themes as follows: Students’ Perceptions of and Experience with Traditional Face-to-Face Learning Environments; Life, Work and Academic Balance and In Pursuit of Success. Each common theme was identified based on responses to the following sub-questions: What previous experiences motivate graduate students to attend face-to-face programs at predominantly online institutions? What basic needs satisfy graduate students by enrolling in face-to-face programs? How do graduate students perceive success in a face-to-face learning environment? The research questions focus on student perceptions of face-to-face versus fully online programs, motivational factors, learning experiences, and the impact of life issues on students’ choices of face-to-face programs. The findings of this study are significant for online university administrators.
Presenters
Alan WhitemanProfessor, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University, Florida, United States Bailey Pierce
Emergency Medicine Resident, Emergency Medicine, Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine, Florida, United States Urmala Roopnarinesingh
Clinical Faculty, Health Administration, Southern New Hampshire University, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Organizational Intangibles and Tangible Value
KEYWORDS
Online education Education delivery formats
