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- Title
Exploring Student Satisfaction Among Students Enrolled In A Dental Hygiene Program Utilizing Synchro-nous Distance Education.
- Authors
Libby, Lory A.; Boyd, Linda D.; Perry, Kristeen; Rothman, Andrew T.; Dominick, Christine
- Abstract
Problem: Distance education has been used by many educational institutions for years, but the use of synchronous distance education (SDE) is still new to many. Though approximately 66% of institutions have realized an increase in the demand for distance learning offerings, research related to SDE is limited. The problem is that educators can find a substantial amount of information and statistics referencing the broad topic of DE, but very little data is available to them in regard to SDE and student satisfaction. Objective: This research aimed to evaluate student satisfaction among SDE classes on two separate campus sites in order to add to existing literature referencing SDE. Methodology: This longitudinal case study took place from June 2014 through September 2015. Participants included a convenience sample of SDE dental hygiene (DH) students (n=122) with a response rate of 95%. MCPHS University IRB approval was obtained in May of 2014. Student perceptions of SDE versus traditional classroom experiences and characteristics related to SDE were measured using validated pre-and post-program surveys. The 40-question surveys were distributed using a web-based tool and participant identities remained confidential. Data were analyzed using parametric univariate and multivariate regression methods Results: Univariate linear regression showed no difference in student perceptions of SDE pre-course vs post-course, nor did multivariate linear regression controlling for student cohort. Regression results showed the fall cohort had a more positive perception of SDE than the summer cohort (p<0.001), furthermore, the multivariate linear regression reporting on characteristics related to SDE were overall positive in magnitude (p=0.347), with the fall cohort reporting significantly more positively than the summer cohort (p<0.001). Results indicate, at an alpha threshold of 0.05, there is a significantly higher level of satisfaction with SDE overall for the fall 2014 cohort than the summer 2014 cohort (p<0.001). Conclusions: The results support previous research indicating that students acclimate to different means of course delivery; however, it also shows that institutional support as well as student and faculty familiarity with SDE technology are significant influences on student satisfaction. Results are intended to aid educators in recognizing these influences which impact student satisfaction and help to bridge the gap in the literature referencing SDE. More research needs to be done comparing SDE to face to face instruction and use of class moderators.
- Subjects
ALTERNATIVE education; DENTAL hygiene education; SATISFACTION; STUDENTS
- Publication
Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2017, Vol 91, Issue 2, p72
- ISSN
1043-254X
- Publication type
Article