Authors:
Tom Drange
1
and
Joakim Kargaard
2
Affiliations:
1
Noroff University College, University of Sunderland, Faculty of Computing and Engineering and Technology, Norway
;
2
Noroff Education, Norway
Keyword(s):
Online Education, Cyberpsychology, Social Anxiety, Drop out Rate.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Computer-Supported Education
;
Distance Education
;
Educating the Educators
;
Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
;
Mentoring and Tutoring
;
Ubiquitous Learning
Abstract:
“Peter” is an online student in an IT Security program, and since the educational institution offers it online and he is a shy person, he thought that he would feel more comfortable at home, not having to face a lot of new people. As the number of online studies increases so does the dropout rate among these students. Research has shown that about 85% of people suffering from social anxiety have difficulties maintaining relationships as well as coping with academic challenges. Social anxiety could be the main contributor for young people to select studying online rather than in a physical classroom and therefore there may be a strong correlation between academic difficulties, social anxiety and the dropout rate for online students. This paper aims to enlighten educational institutions and staff that offers online study programs, by following "Peter" and his challenges, and at the same time discuss the different psychological processes he goes through and try to relate these to the ri
sing dropout rate in higher online education. "Peter" is, of course, a fictive character, but with challenges, the authors experience from students on a frequent basis. The authors base the discussion on own experience and recent research.
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