Varying expectations of online students and the implications for teachers: Findings from a journal study

Abstract

There is a good deal of literature which addresses the issues of teaching online but there is little material which examines the concerns students might have about learning online. This exploratory study asked undergraduate business students to keep a record of their perceptions of the learning experience during a semester‐long marketing subject. Two questions framed the study: how students went about studying and how satisfied they were with the communication they had with other students, teachers and technicians. The findings suggest that students need information about how to interact online before they select a mode of delivery, and an induction exercise prior to the commencement of teaching would be useful. Furthermore, the stage of life cycle and the students” perceived alternative delivery options appear to work together to influence student expectations and preconceptions of online delivery.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jan Brace‐Govan

Jan Brace-Govan is a researcher with a team of academics who teach Marketing at undergraduate and postgraduate level online and through multimedia.

Val Clulow

Val Clulow is Course Director for programs offered through distance education at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Marketing and Retail.