an OS or TS. In fact 50% of the difference between OS and TS can be attributed to an individual’s computer ability and experience. People seems to are inclined to take online courses for the flexibility and not having a computer or the minimal experience pulls them away from becoming OS (Peters, 2001).
An issue that turns some off of
online courses is the lack of face to face contact. They have had contact with
someone who had a poor experience and since they felt isolated they quit the
program or have a bitter taste in their mouth. However some are drawn to the
internet for social needs. They feel uncomfortable and have used this means
before to communicate with their peers. Causes of
OS contentment vary from ease of access and convenience to flexibility and greater
feedback from instructors. With online learning, students control when, where,
and what they learn, as well as how often and how quickly—and this level of
control is what creates satisfied students. (Peters, 2001)
Michal Beller from the Open University of Israel indicates that he believes the majority of learners will continue to want the ‘green lawns’ over the ‘electronic box’ regardless of how high a quality the school which is offering the online courses (1998).
Two major motivations reported about OS are that; they want to avoid time issues that result from traditional class times and their other responsibilities, and they do not want the commuting problems that arise. Some of the other results from a survey conducted by John Dutton, Marilyn Dutton and Jo Perry are that;
· Online students are older.
· They are less likely to be enrolled in traditional undergraduate programs and more likely to be lifelong learning students.