Superficial social inclusion? Reflections from first-time distance learners. A practice report

Article

Brown, Mark, Keppell, Mike, Hughes, Helen, Hard, Natasha, Shillington, Sandi and Smith, Liz. 2012. "Superficial social inclusion? Reflections from first-time distance learners. A practice report." International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education. 3 (2), pp. 73-80. https://doi.org/10.5204/intjfyhe.v3i2.130
Article Title

Superficial social inclusion? Reflections from first-time distance learners. A practice report

ERA Journal ID123437
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsBrown, Mark (Author), Keppell, Mike (Author), Hughes, Helen (Author), Hard, Natasha (Author), Shillington, Sandi (Author) and Smith, Liz (Author)
Journal TitleInternational Journal of the First Year in Higher Education
Student Success
Journal Citation3 (2), pp. 73-80
Number of Pages8
Year2012
PublisherQueensland University of Technology
Place of PublicationBrisbane, Australia
ISSN1838-2959
2205-0795
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5204/intjfyhe.v3i2.130
Web Address (URL)https://fyhejournal.com/article/view/130
Abstract

This paper reports on a research project that sought to investigate the experiences of first-time distance learners from their own perspectives, in their own words, through weekly video diaries. The research took place against a background of growing concern about low retention and completion rates among distance students, which raises questions about what actually happens to learners once they begin their study. While the project will ultimately generate evidence-based deliverables targeted at both distance education providers and distance learners, this paper reports on a selection of learner stories that highlight the nature of superficial social inclusion in the absence of support and engagement strategies that reach out at the point of need throughout the study lifecycle. The research challenges educators to reflect on the difficulties of supporting distance students to engage effectively with study amid other life and work commitments, at the same time as being mindful that to survive the distance they need to be independent, self-motivated learners.

Keywordsdistance education, social inclusion, video diaries
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390405. Educational technology and computing
390499. Specialist studies in education not elsewhere classified
Public Notes

© Copyright of practice reports is retained by authors. As an open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings. ISSN: 1838-2959

Byline AffiliationsMassey University, New Zealand
Charles Sturt University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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