Minimizing attrition in online degree courses

The number of online programs in the higher education sector has increased dramatically in the last decade, and with it, an increase in attrition has become a recurring problem worldwide. Literature suggests that elements of culture, motivation, learning management systems and online pedagogy play a major role in attrition rates in the higher education sector. Using an interpretivist paradigm with qualitative case studies from six countries, the researcher explores online lecturers’ successful engagement strategies on these four main thematic areas. Results provide a range of strategies that can be applied by lecturers to increase engagement and minimize online attrition

LMS Integration in Higher Degree Programs

This research examines the application of eLearning in degree courses delivered by 18 online lecturers in six countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Norway, Spain and U.S.A.). Using an interpretivist paradigm with qualitative case studies from these six countries, the research explored current online lecturers' views on effectiveness and challenges on the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS). The study revealed that lecturers find it challenging to transfer their pedagogical skills and apply them to an online LMS, creating the need for professional development courses on LMS application in degree programs

Minimizing Attrition in Online Degree Courses

The number of online programs in the higher education sector has increased dramatically in the last decade, and with it, an increase in attrition has become a recurring problem worldwide. Literature suggests that elements of culture, motivation, learning management systems and online pedagogy play a major role in attrition rates in the higher education sector. Using an interpretivist paradigm with qualitative case studies from six countries, the researcher explores online lecturers’ successful engagement strategies on these four main thematic areas. Results provide a range of strategies that can be applied by lecturers to increase engagement and minimize online attrition

Strategies for higher retention in online degree courses

The number of online programs in the higher education sector has grown dramatically in the last decade, and with it, an increase in online attrition has become a recurring problem worldwide. Literature on online attrition in higher degree programs, have highlighted cultural issues, motivation, effectiveness of Learning Management Systems and online pedagogies as major players in high attrition rates. Researchers have followed different approaches to determine attrition issues, such as interviewing students who dropped out of their online courses, analysing how much they interacted online with other students and also by researching the types of learners who make the choice of enrolling in online degree programs. Research has focused on the learners’ view of the problem, which has provided educators with good insights into the issue but no real solutions