By Warren Bertram
Data Analyst and Director of Research at Northern Caribbean University Paul Bourne says despite the negative effects on their grades, some university students are still choosing distance learning because it allows them to work while going to school.
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News, Mr. Bourne explained that although the quality of grades students get in online classes is generally lower than in face-to-face, they believe they must remain employed to fund their education and living expenses.
"That now indicates to you that there is a dilemma going on in the students, in that the quality of their grades has fallen but...they want to continue in the current system, not because they are lazy, but because the economics is such that they want to continue going to school and to pay their way, even though the quality of their grades has fallen."
"There are times I am pulling my hair to teach my students how to understand statistics and mathematics because if I were to see them in person, I could maybe look at their books and see that you are doing this wrong and make the modification. Now I have to wait on a test or an exam or an assignment to understand the problem," he pointed out.
Mr. Bourne said based on his research, although distance learning can negatively affect academic performance, some of this can be overcome by the student's determination to learn.
"The online system is a disincentive for the average student. Now, those students who are motivated will continue to use the online system, but the average student is not motivated internally by the online system, even though they love technology," he suggested.
