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Australian K-12 Online Schooling: Push and Pull Factors in Student Experiences and Exit

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Title: Australian K-12 Online Schooling: Push and Pull Factors in Student Experiences and Exit
Language: English
Authors: Damon A. Sokolowski, Laura B. Perry, Rebecca Saunders
Source: Journal of Online Learning Research. 2025 11(3):261-284.
Availability: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Tel: 828-246-9558; Fax: 828-246-9557; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: https://www.aace.org/pubs/jolr/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 24
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Elementary Secondary Education, Distance Education, Online Courses, Parent Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Well Being, Educational Quality, Affordances, Barriers
Geographic Terms: Australia
ISSN: 2374-1473
Abstract: K-12 online distance education (ODE) continues to experience growth in student enrollments, yet existing research remains largely US centric, with a predominant focus on supply-side development rather than student experiences or outcomes. This paper presents findings from an Australian mixed-methods study exploring parental perceptions of student experiences and, where relevant, reasons for withdrawal. Situating the study within the wider literature both theoretically and empirically, push and pull factors are used as a lens to interpret the results. High parental satisfaction in the mode is evident across numerous metrics. Three key themes emerge: ODE is a beneficial educational mode for many students; student well-being is a primary driver of high parental satisfaction; and ODE often serves as an educational bridge during periods of transition or challenge for students. Policy implications include the need to support and promote ODE as a viable option within the broader educational landscape, along with recommendations for online schools to refine systems and structures to better meet student needs.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1493113
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Australian K-12 Online Schooling: Push and Pull Factors in Student Experiences and Exit
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Damon+A%2E+Sokolowski%22">Damon A. Sokolowski</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Laura+B%2E+Perry%22">Laura B. Perry</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rebecca+Saunders%22">Rebecca Saunders</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Online+Learning+Research%22"><i>Journal of Online Learning Research</i></searchLink>. 2025 11(3):261-284.
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  Data: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 719, Waynesville, NC 28786. Tel: 828-246-9558; Fax: 828-246-9557; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: https://www.aace.org/pubs/jolr/
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  Data: 24
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Elementary+Secondary+Education%22">Elementary Secondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Elementary+Secondary+Education%22">Elementary Secondary Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Distance+Education%22">Distance Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Online+Courses%22">Online Courses</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Parent+Attitudes%22">Parent Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Well+Being%22">Well Being</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Quality%22">Educational Quality</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Affordances%22">Affordances</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Barriers%22">Barriers</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Australia%22">Australia</searchLink>
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  Data: 2374-1473
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: K-12 online distance education (ODE) continues to experience growth in student enrollments, yet existing research remains largely US centric, with a predominant focus on supply-side development rather than student experiences or outcomes. This paper presents findings from an Australian mixed-methods study exploring parental perceptions of student experiences and, where relevant, reasons for withdrawal. Situating the study within the wider literature both theoretically and empirically, push and pull factors are used as a lens to interpret the results. High parental satisfaction in the mode is evident across numerous metrics. Three key themes emerge: ODE is a beneficial educational mode for many students; student well-being is a primary driver of high parental satisfaction; and ODE often serves as an educational bridge during periods of transition or challenge for students. Policy implications include the need to support and promote ODE as a viable option within the broader educational landscape, along with recommendations for online schools to refine systems and structures to better meet student needs.
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 24
        StartPage: 261
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
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      – SubjectFull: Distance Education
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      – SubjectFull: Parent Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
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      – SubjectFull: Well Being
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      – SubjectFull: Barriers
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      – SubjectFull: Australia
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      – TitleFull: Australian K-12 Online Schooling: Push and Pull Factors in Student Experiences and Exit
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