Motivations and Experiences in a Distance Learning-Based Degree Programme: A Case Study from a Community College

Abstract

Due to the development of the technologically-assisted teaching and learning approaches and the change of learning behaviours of students, many students decided to start their education in a distance learning-based degree programme at a community college in the United States. Based on the lens of the Social Cognitive Career Theory, the researcher collected qualitative data from 46 traditional-aged students who are currently enrolled in a distance-learning degree programme at a community college. One research question was concerned, which was why would high school graduates (i.e. traditional-aged students) decide to enrol in a distance learning-based associate degree programme at a community college instead of a traditional senior university? The results indicated that financial considerations, and academic and career interests were the biggest concerns of these groups of participants. The outcomes of this study provided the human resources, curriculum development, and workforce plans for government agencies, policymakers, department heads, school leaders, and NGO leaders to reform their policy and regulation in order to absorb the advantages of these groups of future workforces.

Received: 29 November 2020 / Accepted: 25 January 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021