Students’PerceptionstowardstheQualityofOnlineEducation.pdfVIP

Students’ Perceptions towards the Quality of Online Education: A Qualitative Approach Yi Yang Linda F. Cornelius Mississippi State University Abstract How to ensure the quality of online learning in institutions of higher education has been a growing concern during the past several years. While several studies have focused on the perceptions of faculty and administrators, there has been a paucity of research conducted on students’ perceptions toward the quality of online education. This study utilized qualitative methods to investigate the perceptions of students from two universities and one community college regarding the quality of online education based on their own online learning experiences. Interviews and observations were conducted with three students. Various documents were collected, digital and printed. Positive and negative experiences of students were examined. Factors that contribute to those experiences were also identified. The findings of this research revealed that flexibility, cost-effectiveness, electronic research availability, ease of connection to the Internet, and well-designed class interface were students’ positive experiences. The students’ negative experiences were caused by delayed feedback from instructors, unavailable technical support from instructors, lack of self-regulation and self-motivation, the sense of isolation, monotonous instructional methods, and poorly-designed course content The findings can be used by instructors to understand students’ perceptions regard ing online learning, and ultimately improve t