Correlates of Student Preference for Online Instruction over Face-to-Face Instruction

Abstract

In order to examine current online course delivery systems, the authors created and conducted a survey that examined both face-to-face (FTF) and online education (OE) classes offered at 46 universities and some community colleges in the United States, as well as at some foreign universities. Students were asked whether they preferred FTF or OE classes, and related questions (convenience, self-pacing, etc.). The results showed that 47.5% preferred FTF classes, 33.5% preferred OE classes and 19% had no preference ( N = 1876). The authors hypothesized that students' preference for OE classes had strong correlations with other variables in the survey. The purpose of the research is twofold, involving, first, the identification of these variables. The authors found that gender, stated reasons for having taken an OE class, student perception of pedagogical characteristics of OE classes, frequency of use of certain OE technologies, rated quality and reliability of the OE course delivery system, number of OE classes the student had taken, and speed of Internet connection were significantly correlated with preference for OE classes. Second, the authors suggest how these OE features should be implemented to improve current OE course delivery systems.