Exploring the disconnections: student interaction with support services upon commencement of distance education

Article

Brown, Mark, Keppell, Mike, Hughes, Helen, Hard, Natasha and Smith, Liz. 2013. "Exploring the disconnections: student interaction with support services upon commencement of distance education." International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education. 4 (2), pp. 63-74. https://doi.org/10.5204/intjfyhe.v4i2.171
Article Title

Exploring the disconnections: student interaction with support services upon commencement of distance education

ERA Journal ID123437
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsBrown, Mark (Author), Keppell, Mike (Author), Hughes, Helen (Author), Hard, Natasha (Author) and Smith, Liz (Author)
Journal TitleInternational Journal of the First Year in Higher Education
Student Success
Journal Citation4 (2), pp. 63-74
Number of Pages12
Year2013
PublisherQueensland University of Technology
Place of PublicationBrisbane, Australia
ISSN1838-2959
2205-0795
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5204/intjfyhe.v4i2.171
Web Address (URL)https://fyhejournal.com/article/view/171/213
Abstract

While provision of appropriate supports in the first year of study has been found to have a positive effect on student success, supports targeting online and distance learners are often applied in a 'goulash approach.' Against this backdrop, the research investigated the experiences of first-time distance learners with a view to informing the future design of supports during the early stages of the study lifecycle. The study was framed around Design-Based Research involving a mixed method approach over three phases: a stocktake of services designed to support distance learning; a pre- and post-semester survey of first-time distance learners; and a video diary phase that gathered the lived experiences of 20 students upon commencement of their study. Triangulated results of the three phases highlight a disconnection between institutional support services and the majority of first-time distance learners who demonstrated a self-sufficient, lone wolf approach to learning.

Keywordsdistance education; student support; first year experience
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390405. Educational technology and computing
390499. Specialist studies in education not elsewhere classified
390404. Educational counselling
Byline AffiliationsMassey University, New Zealand
Charles Sturt University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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