METHODOLOGY REVIEW

Methodology Review

Methodology Review

1.1 Research Problem

In the past decade, there have been on-going discussions on what students need to learn to be competent in the knowledge-based society. Obviously, the knowledge and skills required in this new age are very different from those emphasized in the old age. Knowing vast factual information is not enough since people should also know how to apply their knowledge to complex situations. This necessitates gaining deep understanding and problem-solving skills(Glick, 2001, p. 150). Additionally, a knowledge-based society needs people who can work collaboratively and creatively with critical thinking and adaptive expertise. This presents educators with a challenging task: re-designing learning environments into a knowledge-centered community where learners work collaboratively toward the advancement of knowledge.

The explosive growth of distance education during the 1990s profoundly altered and reshaped postsecondary institutions. The footsteps down the hallowed halls of academia are rapidly being replaced with keystrokes zipping through cyberspace. Online learning during the 90's experienced expansive growth that has carried over into the 21st century. The World Wide Web has quickly expanded the manner and ways that postsecondary institutions provide a quality education. The growth rate of online learning has been phenomenal during the last few years with online enrollment growing faster than traditional student enrollment and gaining recognition as the postsecondary wave of the future (. The turn-of-the-century perception of online learning as a potential watershed for colleges and universities has quickly been realized(Glick, 2001, p. 150).

In the specialized learning environment of web-based instruction, the ability to work independently, sustain one's focus on personal and academic goals, maintain motivation in spite of conflicting commitments, and demonstrate computer proficiency are among some of the qualities and life approaches that increase successful completion. A review of research related to a number of these factors is necessary to understand the purpose of this study and future directions of persistence studies of online learners.

Much research of online learning targets the preparedness construct, including various aspects of preparation that may be associated with, and predictive of, retention and persistence among online learners. It is recognized that successful students prone to persist are prepared students, and that preparation comes in different forms. Previous academic records have been the traditional standard, often supplemented by national standardized examinations, application essays and personal interviews. More recent research suggests that students thriving in an all-Internet learning environment appear to possess qualities and approaches to life in addition to being academically prepared, including attributes such as student engagement, self-directedness, computer self-efficacy, self-discipline, time management skills, motivation and commitment, goal- and relevancy-orientations, and individualistic learning styles

This considerable growth has led institutions to experience a demographic change as significantly older students are entering and re-entering postsecondary education. Such changes have brought a greater emphasis on the particular needs, characteristics, lifestyles, motivations, enrollment patterns, and unique roles and responsibilities of these adult learners (Kilgore & Rice, 2003). This growing population of adult learners views online learning as a flexible and valuable option now available to them as they balance demanding work, family, ...