Supporting Non-traditional Students in Online Environments

A literature review

Abstract

In ever-evolving electronic learning environments, course retention of students in online courses is significantly lower than those studying in traditional classroom contexts. Through a research synthesis, three major factors seem to impact online course retention: levels of student engagement, the student's ability to self-regulate, and quality teacher interaction and feedback. If any of these factors are missing from the student's online learning experience, it will be more difficult to keep the student engaged in the material, stay motivated, and feel connected to the teacher and other classmates.