文章基本信息

标题：Understanding the Early Adjustment Experiences of Undergraduate Distance Education Students in South Africa
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作者：Jenna Mittelmeier ; Jekaterina Rogaten ; Dianne Long 等
期刊名称：The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning
印刷版ISSN：1492-3831
出版年度：2019
卷号：20
期号：3
页码：18-38
DOI：10.19173/irrodl.v20i4.4101
出版社：AU Press
摘要：Much research in face-to-face contexts outlines the importance of early adjustment on students’ higher education experiences. However, few studies have replicated this research in distance learning contexts to unpack the early multifaceted adjustments associated with studying in absence of a physical campus. This is particularly needed from a Global South perspective, where countries like South Africa have become regional hubs for distance learners. To explore distance learners’ adjustment experiences, this study analysed results from a Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) with 320 distance learners at the University of South Africa, mixed with qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended questions. The results outlined key factors that impact distance learning experiences for students in South Africa, including demographic variables, class, language, and access to resources. These findings, compared with similar work in face-to-face contexts, suggest areas in need of additional support from distance education providers in South Africa and beyond.
关键词：distance education;higher education;student adjustment;South Africa