Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2012
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
First Advisor
Larry Ebbers
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how adult college women attending rural community colleges experience being an online student. A study of this nature was warranted as enrollment in online courses continues to increase (Allen & Seaman, 2010) and as women are more likely to enroll in online courses (Kramarae, 2001; van Prummer, 2011). Femininst standpoint theory guided the study while identity theory (Stryker, 1968) was applied to findings. Online research methods were used to collect data. Four themes characterized participants online student experience: 1) motivation to enroll in online courses, 2) expectations and realities about online experience, 3) impact of identity (ies) on experience, and 4) meaning of being an online student. These findings could be used to help community colleges and other institutions of higher education to better understand how adult college women experience being online students. Faculty members who teach online courses or who are considering to teach online courses could benefit from these findings as could college staff members who work with adult online students. These findings could also benefit adult college women who are considering to enroll in online courses.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/etd-180810-2162
Copyright Owner
Lisa Carol Hetzel
Copyright Date
2012
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
171 pages
Recommended Citation
Hetzel, Lisa Carol, "How Multiple Roles Influence Adult College Women's Online Student Experiences in a Rural Community College Context" (2012). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 12801.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/12801
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Administration Commons, Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching Commons, Community College Education Administration Commons, Community College Leadership Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons