Integrating learning and living: The lived experience of distance business students

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Research and Development in Higher Education Vol. 34: Higher Education on the Edge

July, 2011, 394 pages
Published by
K. Krause, M. Buckridge, C. Grimmer, & S. Purbrick-Illek
ISBN
0 908557 85 X
Abstract 

Research on the student experience has focused on full-time students in campus settings. Internationally growing numbers of students are enrolling in distance courses. Many of these students do not fit the profile of the traditional undergraduate, and may be in employment or have family responsibilities. This study explored the experience of students studying for a business degree offered as a distance programme. The study is based on interviews with 30 students. The interviews were designed to gain a deeper understanding about how participants went about learning as a distance students in business courses. A number of themes are explored including the motivations for enrolment, approaches to learning; effortful engagement with difficult concepts, learning as an individual or social activity; and integrating learning and work.

Keywords: part-time students, distance education, student experience