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Performance Indicators, motivations and barriers in online distance courses: a case study at Arab Open University

Author

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  • Manal AlGhamdi

    (Arab Open University)

  • Salem AlAnizan

    (Arab Open University)

Abstract

The number of online distance courses is growing rapidly, however online student retention has been suggested as one of the greatest weaknesses in online education (Carr, 2000; O'Brien and Renner, 2002). Retention rate is very essential to the quality of education and institutional success. This paper surveys and evaluates the barriers and motivations to online courses to understand the causes hampering effective online distance learning at Arab Open University (AOU). Moreover the paper examines student performance indicators in online distance courses. A survey was conducted to analyze motivation and barriers of online courses. While secondary data was extracted from students? information system (SIS) at AOU to evaluate students? performance indicators. Results showed the rate of students not completing online courses at AOU is 26.2%, 65% of them are below 30 years old. This is an indication that age and experience appear to enhance performance in online courses. Results also revealed that online courses enables more concentration which was one of the main factors encouraging AOU students to enroll and complete online courses. Convenience was also found to be a primary motivations for AOU online students? in this study. On the other hand, problems in submitting tutor marking assessment (TMA), lack of collaboration and communication with peers and a confusing course layout were identified as being the most challenging factors in AOU online courses. This study recommends for online barriers to be highly considered as they are the main cause for failing to retain more than 25% of registered students in online courses at AOU.

Suggested Citation

  • Manal AlGhamdi & Salem AlAnizan, 2018. "Performance Indicators, motivations and barriers in online distance courses: a case study at Arab Open University," International Journal of Teaching and Education, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, vol. 6(2), pages 46-60, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sek:jijote:v:6:y:2018:i:2:p:46-60
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    student satisfaction; online distance learning; academic performance; virtual classroom; Synchronous communication;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I29 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Other

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