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- Title
Not Alone When I'm Feeling Stressed: Online Adult Learner Connection and Retention.
- Authors
Shatila, Suzanne L.
- Abstract
Increasingly, nontraditional students (over age 25, employed, parenting) are enrolling in universities offering online options. Online programs appeal to those needing flexible educational options, yet attrition remains high for adult learners and students enrolled in online education. Building on previous research, this study examines relationships between social location, role identity, social connectedness, and academic perseverance among online adult learners. Survey results from students (n = 254) enrolled in online programs were analyzed, examining relationships between social connectedness and self-reported academic outcomes. Results showed that participants were confident in their ability to navigate school and competing priorities but recognized peer connection's value in supporting better academic outcomes; as perceptions about social connection's value increased, so too did the perception that connection fostered better academic outcomes. Implications for fostering nontraditional student social connectedness in online learning are discussed.
- Subjects
NONTRADITIONAL college students; GRADE repetition; ONLINE education; DIGITAL learning; SOCIAL belonging
- Publication
Adult Education Quarterly, 2024, Vol 74, Issue 1, p43
- ISSN
0741-7136
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/07417136231184570