Learning at a Distance: Engaged or Not?

• Published in: Innovate (North Miami Beach, Fla.) Vol. 4; no. 3
• Main Authors: Chen, Pu-Shih Daniel, Gonyea, Robert, Kuh, George
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fischler School of Education and Human Services 2008
• Subjects: Age Differences; College Students; Comparative Analysis; Distance Education; Educational Practices; Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Instructional Effectiveness; Learner Engagement; National Survey of Student Engagement; National Surveys; Student Attitudes
• ISSN: 1552-3233; 1552-3233

In this study, Pu-Shih Chen, Robert Gonyea, and George Kuh compare the engagement of distance learners in educationally effective activities with that of their campus-based counterparts and compare the engagement of older distance learners relative to younger online students. Although distance learning is the fastest growing segment of postsecondary education, questions remain about the quality of distance education; a key unresolved issue is the degree to which online learners are engaged in effective educational practices. These results indicate that distance learners are generally as engaged and often more engaged than other students in most educational practices, with the exception of active and collaborative learning activities. Older distance learners report greater gains and are more likely to use higher-order mental processes (e.g., analysis and synthesis) than younger distance learners. Chen, Gonyea, and Kuh discuss the implications of these results for colleges and universities and indicate directions for future work. (Contains 2 exhibits, 6 tables, and 5 figures.)