Boosting online learning’s potential to overcome barriers to university study will be the focus of new research in the School of Education.
Strategies to better engage students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will be explored in a project being conducted by Dr Frances Fan and Dr David Hicks.
The research team will develop a toolkit for lecturers who work with online university students from low socio-economic backgrounds and regional and remote areas.
“Online education has the potential to be a powerful tool for increasing access to higher education,” Dr Fan said. “This is particularly true for students who might not be able to attend traditional on-campus study because of geographical location, work commitments or other personal circumstances. It offers flexibility and removes some logistical barriers to pursuing a degree.”
The University supports a high number of online students from disadvantaged backgrounds in regionalised Tasmania. Withdrawal rates, however, are higher for this group than among other students.
“Students from low-income backgrounds might face financial difficulties that make it hard to manage the time commitment required for online studies,” Dr Hicks said.
“They might also have family responsibilities that compete for their attention and energy.
“Additionally, students in regional and remote areas might have limited access to reliable internet or technology, making online learning a significant challenge.”
The result is a loss not only for the students, but also for a Tasmanian community in need of skills from a diverse cross-section of its population.
“Students miss out on the benefits of university education, such as increased job opportunities and earning potential, personal growth and development of valuable skills,” Dr Hicks said.
“Society as a whole loses out on the contributions these students could make with their university education.”
The key is online courses that foster a sense of community and provide support systems for students, and giving lecturers the tools to build them.
“This means creating online learning environments that are accessible, engaging and provide the necessary support systems to help students succeed,” Dr Fan said.
“The hope is that by providing teachers with these tools and best practices, they can create online learning experiences that are more supportive and inclusive for all students, regardless of their background.”
Learn more about research in the School of Education.