ERIC Number: ED667958
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 134
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5346-7024-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
A Qualitative Case Study on Online Adult Learners' Perceptions toward Digital Isolation at a California Community College
Zebedee Rocky Navarro
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northcentral University
Research into digital isolation has primarily focused on the perceptions of four-year university students. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of online adult learners toward digital isolation within a California community college. The problem explored in this research is how online education programs contribute to digital isolation. Examining this problem from the perspective of a community college student will provide insight into how online programs impact feelings of digital isolation. Connectivism theory was the theoretical framework that guided this study. A qualitative research approach using interviews with 10 participants and a focus group of five participants was used to collect data with a thematic analysis used to analyze the transcripts from the interviews and focus groups. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: personal connections, classroom interactions, and connection with technology. Personal connections like the student's autonomy, self-responsibility, and individual support network influenced feelings of isolation. Classroom interactions with faculty, cohorts, and the community college also affected feelings of isolation based on if the interaction was positive or negative. Connection with technology through the online classroom environment, web-based student services, and social media also impacted feelings of isolation. The implications of this research showed the importance of connection in an online environment through student resources, faculty interaction, and creating more of a connection between the student and institution. Recommendations for future research include exploring digital isolation from the community college faculty perspective and researching digital isolation at other community colleges. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Community Colleges, Electronic Learning, Social Isolation, Distance Education, Community College Students, Student Attitudes, Interpersonal Relationship, Class Activities, Student Participation, Technology Uses in Education, Online Courses, Virtual Classrooms, Social Media, Student Personnel Services, Web Sites, Influence of Technology
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A