Factors Affecting Online Certificate Program Dropouts

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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
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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

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Implications of dropouts

• Measure of the quality of the education
• Dropout has economic and educational implications

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Dropout reasons
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Dropout reasons
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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

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Participants Procedure

• A Dropout survey was sent to 98 students by
  e-mail
• 26 students returned the survey.
• The data were collected anonymously

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Findings
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Findings
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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 didnt
  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.

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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.