Going the Distance with Distance Learning: An analysis of Motivational Factors that Influence E-Learning Course Completion Rates

Abstract

Acknowledgements1 Peter 1:1 states, "This too shall pass," and, true to his word, I have passed through yet another chapter of my life. Therefore, I first give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for providing me with the strength, courage, and patience to complete this thesis process. I also thank my wonderful and loving wife (whom I had to remind on many occasions that "this will soon pass") for standing by my side during this degree program. Her sacrifice, patience, and understanding were critical during those long and arduous days I had to devote both my time and energy towards schoolwork. To my children, I give my deepest thanks, apologies, and love for enduring this test of time by giving me hugs and kisses when I was around, and understanding, to the best of their ability, when I was not.

Can Placement Test Score Predict Success for a First-semester Community College Student in Their First Online Course?

“…Education was no longer bound by place or time (Reynolds, 2002). From 1995 to 1998, the percent of institutions offering online courses rose from 22% to 66%, and the number of distance degree programs rose from 690 to 1,190 (Phillips, 1999).…”