Can Surveys Predict Online Student Success?

Surprisingly, the answer to this question seems to be a resounding "no." Colleges have often used informal surveys to help students determine their preparation for online classes. Such surveys ask basic questions about students' technical abilities and learning styles.

A new study researched the effectiveness of two student surveys: "Is Online College Right for Me?" and "What Technical Skills Do I Need?" Researchers found that the survey results were not very valuable in predicting student success.

The study, published in the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, explains:

"Although these two surveys appear to have face validity in terms of the conventional wisdom associated with individual traits and skills deemed necessary for success in distance education, the lack of predictive validity should remove these instruments as candidates for self-assessments for potential distance education students.

Until a more suitable instrument is developed institutions of higher education should utilize two processes to prepare potential distance education students for academic success and improve retention in distance education courses. First, institutions should continue their current practices with regard to academic pre-assessment of incoming students, regardless of the method of instruction. Second, institutions should provide orientation sessions for students seeking to enroll in distance education courses."

It seems that students need more formal evaluations and in-person assistance to determine their online learning capabilities.

See Also:

• Top 5 Distance Learning Myths
• How to Succeed as an Online Student