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Unbundling convenience in distance education: How do distance education students define convenience?

Debbie L Bellucci, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

The focus of this study is to examine the factors that comprise convenience for distance education students. The prevailing assumption regarding student selection of distance education is that the choice is directly related to convenience and the ability to control the time and place of their learning. Students are selecting and repeatedly taking distance education courses; this research sought to understand the reasons behind this selection. The premise of this study is there are many bundles that underlie the convenience in distance education and they are related to factors other than anywhere, anytime learning. Previous studies have relied on the use of survey data regarding students' preferences regarding distance education. This study utilized a qualitative approach to allow the students to tell their own stories. Nine distance students attending community college were interviewed for this research. The student stories and experiences provide the data and basis for the findings of this study. Implications for future research are discussed.

Subject Area

Community college education|Educational technology|Higher education

Recommended Citation

Bellucci, Debbie L, "Unbundling convenience in distance education: How do distance education students define convenience?" (2008). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI3325252.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI3325252

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