eLearners.com Research Debunks Myths About Online Learning
Online Students Declare Overall
Satisfaction With Online Programs
HOBOKEN, NJ—August 29, 2006—When
online higher education students were asked what they
think the biggest myth is about online learning,
“requires less time and effort”, “the work is easier”,
and “it is a less effective educational/learning format”
topped their ranking, according to a recent survey
conducted by eLearners.com, the leading resource for
connecting students with online education. More than ½
of these same students indicated they spent more than 10
hours per week on their course work. Despite the
workload, 90% of the online students surveyed indicated
their experience was good or better with more than 83%
saying they would recommend online education to others.
“We see a tremendous amount of research done on
corporate and academic institutions’ perspectives and
burgeoning acceptance of online education, but we have
not seen a lot from the consumer,” said Andrew Gansler,
CEO of eLearners.com. “This survey indicates a satisfied
customer base of hard working students, both on the job
and in school.”
Among the respondents that chose to go online, the “best
part of their educational experience” was “time/location
flexibility” (56%) followed by the “format/style of
instruction” (20%). They indicated that the most
challenging part of being an online student was “having
the discipline” (32%) and “making the time” (25%). And,
if they could suggest how schools can improve online
education, they would recommend “improvements in online
instructional materials”, “better access to financial
aid” and “more instructional support”.
“The choir has spoken,” continued Gansler. “But what the
unconverted—those that chose campus-based or haven’t
made their decision have to say is equally significant.”
Of the 178 responses to the survey, which was fielded in
June of this year, 33% enrolled in an online program, 7%
enrolled in a campus-based program and 48% have not yet
enrolled. Among the comparative findings between
campus-based and online students:
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When asked what their “biggest reason
for choosing the school they attended”, the campus-based
respondents ranked “reputation” (38%) first followed by
“most appropriate program” (23%) and
“location/scheduling” (23%). In contrast, their online
peers ranked “most appropriate program” first at 54% of
respondents with “scheduling/location” second and
“reputation” falling lower in the ranking with just 8%
listing it as their biggest reason for selecting their
school.
-
When asked their “biggest concerns about
online education”, 54% of those that selected
campus-based learning were concerned about an online
education’s “reputation for potential employers” versus
only 32% of those who chose online. In both instances,
however, the concern over interactions and relationships
in online education came in a close second.
-
Relative to 90% of its happy and
contented online brethren, only 77% of those attending a
campus-based program indicated their experience was good
or better.
Finally, among the 48% that have not yet
enrolled, 57% indicated they are still planning to
enroll in online program with 62% planning to do so in
the next year.
“The early adopter phase of online post secondary
education is behind us now,” concluded Gansler. “Schools
offering online programs are going to have to work even
harder to attract new prospects, convince the fence
sitters, and retain the converted.”
About eLearners.com®
The eLearners.com website is one of several high visibility, high-quality prospecting tools offered by EducationDynamics, LLC. Since 1999, eLearners.com has been successfully connecting learners to online education, including online degree and certificate programs, specialized career training, and a variety of online courses. For prospective students, eLearners® provides a powerful search engine for users to find thousands of online program offerings, as well as educational evaluation tools and financial aid resources. For colleges and universities, the eLearners.com website offers a low-cost, performance-based method to provide national exposure and increase enrollments in their programs. For more information on eLearners.com, visit www.elearners.com.
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Press Release
