Distance Learning Survey for Research Project

Hello everyone!

I need your help. First, a little background:

I am a distance learner at Thomas Edison State College. As part of one of my final classes for completion of my BA in Communications (Liberal Arts Capstone), I must write a research 20-25 page research paper. I have chosen the following as my thesis question: "Are traditional means of obtaining higher education being phased out by accelerated distance learning techniques?". My paper also has three sub questions that I will answer in order to better provide an answer to this major question. These sub questions are as follows: "What is the scope of accelerated distance learning techniques?". Also, "What does accelerated distance learning offer to students who choose it over traditional means of obtaining higher education?" Thirdly, "What are some of the benefits and shortcomings associated with accelerated distance learning?".

I have decided to conduct a survey of distance learning students and use this as my primary source of qualitative research. This being the case, I have a few questions for all of you distance learners that I would be absolutely thrilled if you would take the time to answer for me:

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Questions:

1. What are a few of the exclusive benefits (if any) that you have experienced by choosing distance education?

2. From your perspective, what are the three biggest benefits to learning by means of distance education for you personally?

3. From your perspective, what are the three biggest hindrances to learning by means of distance education for you personally?

4. Why are you a distance learner?

5. Do you prefer distance learning to traditional means of obtaining higher education (i.e. "brick and mortar schools")?

6. Do you believe that there any risks associated with being a distance learner?



I hope that you guys will take the time to help me out by answering these questions. Thanks a lot and God bless!

Calvin

 

1. What are a few of the exclusive benefits (if any) that you have experienced by choosing distance education ?
- Flexibilities

2. From your perspective, what are the three biggest benefits to learning by means of distance education for you personally?
- Flexibilities
- Cost Effective
- Able to hold full-time job while earning college degree

3. From your perspective, what are the three biggest hindrances to learning by means of distance education for you personally?
- Local library access
- Missing face-to-face lecture/ discussion
- Lacking current or alumni networking

4. Why are you a distance learner?
- I had no choice to prepare my future career while serving active duty in the Marine Corps.

5. Do you prefer distance learning to traditional means of obtaining higher education (i.e. "brick and mortar schools")?
- If I have a choice again, I would attend undergraduate at B&M campus; however, graduate degrees I would choose distance learning

6. Do you believe that there any risks associated with being a distance learner?
- Yes, some old school learners criticize distance learning degrees.

 

TEKMAN,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my survey questions? I greatly appreciate the feedback. And for any other distance learners out there, I hope you will take the time to answer my questions. Your answers are critical to my success at this research project.

Thanks in advance,

Calvin

 

1. What are a few of the exclusive benefits (if any) that you have experienced by choosing distance education ?
a. Being able to choose an appropriate degree program (in my case the Excelsior degree requirements met this need).
b. Allows one to continue studies while working a job with lots of travel.
c. Avoids commuting time and parking charges (Especially in Southern California)
d. I like being able to combine in-class and distance learning.
e. That the big-3 allow a large amount of transfer credit (including CLEP/DSST).

2. From your perspective, what are the three biggest benefits to learning by means of distance education for you personally?
a. See Q1.

3. From your perspective, what are the three biggest hindrances to learning by means of distance education for you personally?
a. Lack of interface with professors and fellow students.
b. Lack of lab courses for technical courses.

4. Why are you a distance learner?
a. See Q1.

5. Do you prefer distance learning to traditional means of obtaining higher education (i.e. "brick and mortar schools")?
a. It depends on the subject being studied. For math and other complex subjects teacher interaction is very helpful.

6. Do you believe that there any risks associated with being a distance learner?
a. No, as long as one picks an RA school that has been in existence for at least a decade.