Going Online: Decision Processes of Community College Students Enrolling in Online Degree Programs
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| Title: | Going Online: Decision Processes of Community College Students Enrolling in Online Degree Programs |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Michael S. Hill, Cassandra M.D. Hart |
| Source: | Online Learning. 2026 30(1):373-398. |
| Availability: | Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 26 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Two Year Colleges |
| Descriptors: | Community College Students, Online Courses, Electronic Learning, Decision Making, College Choice, Student Attitudes, Distance Education |
| Geographic Terms: | California |
| ISSN: | 2472-5749 2472-5730 |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the decision-making process of students who enroll online at two California community colleges to learn how fully-online students gather information about potential institutions and programs, which alternatives were considered, and which sources were most useful to them in choosing programs. We draw on interviews with 25 students intending to attend fully online; interviews were conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggest that students are aware of the availability of online classes and make the choice to attend at a given institution based on convenience, finances, and familiarity with the college. The students that we interviewed almost all enrolled in programs that were proximate to their homes, despite their intent to complete their academic programs online. Colleges should think carefully about how information and support are provided to those students wishing to complete classes and find creative ways to engage students and provide campus resources virtually. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1508020 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the decision-making process of students who enroll online at two California community colleges to learn how fully-online students gather information about potential institutions and programs, which alternatives were considered, and which sources were most useful to them in choosing programs. We draw on interviews with 25 students intending to attend fully online; interviews were conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggest that students are aware of the availability of online classes and make the choice to attend at a given institution based on convenience, finances, and familiarity with the college. The students that we interviewed almost all enrolled in programs that were proximate to their homes, despite their intent to complete their academic programs online. Colleges should think carefully about how information and support are provided to those students wishing to complete classes and find creative ways to engage students and provide campus resources virtually. |
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| ISSN: | 2472-5749 2472-5730 |
