Examination of the Relationship of Community College Opticianry Student Outcomes with Instructional Delivery Methods and Student Age

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine whether student outcomes are a function of participation in different modes of delivery and student age in an Opticianry program at the community college level. The three instructional delivery methods were traditional face-to-face instruction, online delivery, and a hybrid format where students take theory courses online and attend face-to-face laboratories on campus. Student age when entering the Opticianry program was classified in three categories: Young Adults (18–24), Middle Age (25–33), and Older Adults (34 & >). A nonexperimental explanatory research design relying on survey data collection strategies were used in the study. Data collection was conducted using an online survey. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the relationship between independent variables (delivery method and age) and a dependent variable (GPA [grade point average], national certification score, workplace preparation score, and quality of instruction score). A total of 112 graduates completed the survey, representing a response rate of 39%. The results indicated no significant differences in student outcomes, suggesting that students in the Opticianry program should achieve similar outcomes whether they complete the program online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. The results of the study provide support for the idea that it is possible to provide equivalent technician preparation using a variety of instructional delivery methods.