Vol. 29 No. 2 (2014)
Research Brief

Autonomy and Responsibility: Online Learning as a Solution for At-Risk High School Students

Somer Lewis
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Bio
Aimee L. Whiteside
University of Tampa
Bio
Amy Garrett Dikkers
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Bio

Published 2014-10-14

Keywords

  • e-learning,
  • online education,
  • distance education,
  • educational technology,
  • instructional technology,
  • instructional design
  • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Lewis, S., Whiteside, A. L., & Garrett Dikkers, A. (2014). Autonomy and Responsibility: Online Learning as a Solution for At-Risk High School Students. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education Revue Internationale Du E-Learning Et La Formation à Distance, 29(2). Retrieved from https://ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/883

Abstract

In this three-year, mixed methods case study, the benefits and challenges of online learning for at-risk high school students were examined. A key finding was that at-risk students identify the benefits and challenges of online learning to be the same. While students appreciate the opportunity to work ahead and study at their own pace, they see it as a challenge to be responsible for their own learning and manage their time. The authors of this paper argue that, with proper support structures in place, students who are at-risk for dropping out can overcome challenges and find success in an online learning environment.

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