The main aim of this project is to identify and analyze what drives student perseverance in college-level distance learning programs. These determinants focus on technology used and the communities of learning created through the technology employed. Students registered for distance learning programs offered by colleges which are members of the FADIO group (Cégep de Matane, Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, Cégep de La Pocatière, Cégep de Rimouski, and Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup) or the Cégep à distance are targeted for this research project. Two data collection methods are used: an online questionnaire and a discussion group. So far approximately 50 students have responded to the online questionnaire and a discussion group has taken place. Data collection will continue until May 2018 and the students will be asked to complete the online questionnaire and participate in the discussion group each semester.

In a practical sense, the results of this research will provide insights into students’ perception of the technology used for distance learning classes. Students are also invited to comment on the strategies that should be implemented to promote distance learning perseverance and success.

This research project received support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The primary researcher is Sawsen Lakhal, a professor with the Department of Pedagogy, Performa, at the University of Sherbrooke.

Preliminary results will be presented by Ms. Lakhal and René Bélanger, Educational Adviser with the Cégep de Matane, in a webinar held during the Distance Learning Week organized by FADIO partners in February 2018.

Source:

René Bélanger

Educational Adviser, Cégep de Matane

Member of the FADIO implementation committee