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Factors Affecting Online Certificate Program Dropouts. Fethi A. Inan The University of Memphis. Erman Yukselturk Middle East Technical University. E-Learn 2004 -- Washington, DC, USA Nov. 1-5, 2004. Dropout rates.
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Factors Affecting Online Certificate Program Dropouts Fethi A. Inan The University of Memphis Erman Yukselturk Middle East Technical University E-Learn 2004 -- Washington, DC, USA Nov. 1-5, 2004
Dropout rates • The dropout rates for distance education courses are usually higher than those for comparable on-campus • Distance education dropout rate is approximately 30-50%
Implications of dropouts • Measure of the quality of the education • Dropout has economic and educational implications
Description of OITC Program • First Internet Based Certificate program (started in May 1998 ) • Synchronous and asynchronous communication methods are used • Four semesters lasting nine months totally (Two courses for each semester) • One instructor and two assistants are dealing with each course. • At the end of each term, there are face-to-face sessions for each course within the campus • Assessments are based on the final examinations, homework, attendance to the chat sessions and participation in the discussion lists
Participants & Procedure • A Dropout survey was sent to 98 students by e-mail • 26 students returned the survey. • The data were collected anonymously
Conclusion • Participants come with different educational background, employment characteristics, financial status, marital and family status and different expectations about program • About 35 % of this program participant didn’t complete program in the last three year • Generally student reported high for dropout reasons which were basis by them. The items -arrangement of time, personal problem, expenses, and motivation – had higher mean scores than problems regarding the program.
Implications & Suggestions • Analyze students' learning styles, strengths and weaknesses • Provide counseling to help each applicant to explore his aims, motivation and commitment • Provide orientations • Regulate the study load of students • Active personal and tutorial assistance during the course. • Enhance student active participation to learning process • Monitor the performance of the instructors • Periodical redesign of courses and instructional materials.