Using course-level factors as predictors of online course outcomes: a multi-level analysis at a US urban community college
- 9 June 2015
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Studies in Higher Education
- Vol. 42 (1), 184-200
- https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2015.1045478
Abstract
Research has documented lower retention rates in online versus face-to-face courses. However, little research has focused on the impact of course-level characteristics (e.g. elective versus distributional versus major requirements; difficulty level; STEM status) on online course outcomes. Yet, focusing interventions at the course level versus the student level may be a more economical approach to reducing online attrition. This study used multi-level modeling, and controlled for the effects of both instructor-level and student characteristics, to measure the relationship of course-level characteristics with successful completion of online and face-to-face courses. Elective courses, and to a lesser extent distributional course requirements, were significantly more likely to have a larger gap in successful course completion rates online versus face-to-face, when compared with major course requirements. Upper level courses had better course completion rates overall, but a larger gap in online versus face-to-face course outcomes than lower level courses.Keywords
Funding Information
- PSC-CUNY (65541-00-43)
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