Comprehensive Assessment of Student Retention in Online Learning Environments

TLDR

Online programs are expanding rapidly, yet student retention remains a critical concern for institutions, prompting the need for new models that account for the unique variables and higher attrition rates in virtual learning environments. This study explores how student demographics and interaction patterns predict retention at a large online university. Analysis of 20,569 students shows that transfer credit and consistent activity are key predictors of continued enrollment.

Abstract

As the growth of online programs continues to rapidly accelerate, concern over the retention of the online learner is increasing. Educational administrators at institutions offering online courses, those fully online or brick and mortars, are eager to promote student achievement. Retention is critically important, not just for student success, but also for the success of these institutions of higher education. Models for understanding student persistence in the face-to-face environment are well established; however, many of the variables in these constructs are not present in the online environment or they manifest in significantly different ways. With attrition rates higher than in face-to-face programs, the development of models to explain online retention is considered imperative. This study moves in that direction by exploring the relationship between student demographics and interactions, and retention at a large online university. Analysis of data, which included an n of 20,569, provides an illustration of the importance of transfer credit and the consistency of activity in predicting continued enrollment.