ANALYSIS OF CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO HIGH ATTRITION RATES IN ONLINE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Abstract

With the increase of technology and the prominence of internet usage, many universities and colleges are offering an alternative way of obtaining a degree through online learning.  Many of these schools are experiencing increasingly high attrition rates in online learning programs.  High dropout rates are not only costly to the school, but can also cause a financial burden for the student.  Based on early research, several factors have been discussed as potential causes of low completion rates in online degrees.  These factors include, but are not limited to, student persistence, perception, technology limitations, and poor student typing skills.  The purpose of this research was to identify major contributing factors leading to high attrition rates by surveying current and past online students.  A survey was distributed to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an online degree at an Aviation/Aeronautical University.  The survey asked questions regarding persistence and distracters, technology limitations and distracters, and student perception.  The researcher concluded that employment responsibilities were the biggest distracters for online students.  An additional distracter was the use of the internet/computer for non-academic sites.  Students suggested the need for a weekly mentorship program to help with guidance through the program.  The recommendation of the researcher is to implement a mentorship program comprised of advisors and professors that is available to all students pursuing an online degree on a weekly basis.  The researcher also recommends an improved new student program including a recorded orientation video and increased advising during the acceptance process and 1st year of attendance.