FACTORS PREDICTING THE ESTIMATED SUCCESS OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE STUDENTS IN ONLINE COURSES IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

This mixed methods study sought to uncover the needs of culturally diverse students in the online learning environment. Several of the unexplored factors that may contribute to high attrition rate among online undergraduate students, were also analyzed. The study examined how the variables of prior educational experience, age, gender, ethnicity, country of birth, and first or native language spoken contributed to success in online classes. The research also explored how institutional support contributed to the success of online learners.
Through the use of survey data collection and interviews, the results of this study indicated that culturally diverse learners reported three skills that are essential to their success in online learning environments: time management, self-directedness, and computer or technical skills. Students also indicated that institutional and instructor support are vital to their success in online classes. Although all variables examined were not significant predictors to the success of online learners, the results of this study provide insight into the needs of culturally diverse learners. These findings may be helpful to educators and policymakers when planning for or designing online courses for culturally diverse learners. These findings may also aid in reducing the high attrition rate of culturally diverse learners in online environments by encouraging more readiness assessments for students enrolling in online courses to determine their level of readiness for online learning.