Dear Professor: Where College Students Who Take Courses Online Speak Their Minds

According to the National Center for Education Statistics and Education Dynamics, online college enrollment is on the rise. Before the pandemic, online learning programs were typically for people going back to school to augment or change their career or pursuing a graduate degree to enhance their career while they work. However, EducationDynamics found in 2023 that the largest share of students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees online is 35 or younger. That said, 35% of students pursuing online undergraduate degrees are between 19 and 23, and 42% of online graduate students are between 30 and 35. So, as more and more programs are offered online and there is a monumental increase in education technology advancements, we must distance learning right.

The aim of this series is to help professors and students experience a more fulfilling online learning environment by allowing students to reveal their needs and pet peeves. My hope is that this information will support professors in making the necessary changes or adjustments in the design and delivery of their online courses which should ultimately enhance student success and satisfaction with distance education.

So, if you are interested in hearing what students have to say about their lived experiences online, please hit that subscribe button and join us every Wednesday at 8 p.m. (ET) for lively, transparent conversations. Also, feel free to comment about anything said and ask questions.