Graduation Year

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Granting Department

Secondary Education

Major Professor

James White, Ph.D.

Keywords

Education, Learning, Instruction, Distance learning, Self-efficacy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the goal conflicts, self-regulation, and course completion of post-secondary learners and to compare these factors in distance and traditional learners. Participants completed a self-report survey given on-line to those who had Internet access and administered in paper format to students in traditional classrooms. Procrastination, socializing, and employment were the most common goal conflicts reported by participants. Significantly more web-based students than traditional students were employed and were employed more average hours. Web-based students also had more children under the age of 12 than did traditional students. A significantly greater percentage of web-based participants than traditional students passed the courses included in this study. Web-based participants reported a significantly greater amount of self-regulation than did traditional students. Contacting the instructor for help and analyzing assignments contributed significantly to passing courses included in this study. Distinctions between distance learners and traditional learners are becoming less clear since some traditional courses have begun to offer web completion as an option. Many students who live on or near campus and who are otherwise traditional students now include web-based courses in their schedule.

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