EXPECTED ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING: PERCEPTIONS FROM COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT TAKEN ONLINE COURSES

Abstract

Online courses and programs are continuing to grow in post-secondary education, and many information systems professors are becoming involved in planning and implementing online offerings. While designing online courses, student input is of great value. The purpose of this study was to document college students' expectations of the advantages and disadvantages of taking courses online. A further analysis identified any differences in perceptions between genders. A total of 420 college students in information systems courses completed an online survey reporting their perceptions of what they expected would be the advantages and disadvantages of taking online courses. These students had no previous experience with taking online courses. Results of the study provide insight to information systems educators as they become involved in designing courses in the online environment. Areas of further research for information systems educators are suggested.