This study explored the learning experiences of first-year information technology students at the beginning of their studies. Identifying the early experiences is important, as we know they can predict later challenges and persistence in studies. We focus on a novel understanding of relations between learning approaches, self-efficacy and burnout…

This study examined online graduate students' perceived learning styles and perceptions of factors that influenced their overall academic achievement in online courses. The study explored relationships between the learning styles and the factors identified as influencing achievement. Previous research produced mixed results when evaluating the…

Student persistence in the first year of studies is a crucial concern in online higher education. Recent accelerated growth in online programs due to the COVID pandemic has increased concerns over higher dropout rates, which are often connected to students' time challenges--time poverty, juggling multiple commitments, and fitting studies into busy…

This study used gender-sensitive research to investigate stress levels and stressors among pre-service teachers. The differences and similarities in stress levels between male and female pre-service teachers were studied. There were five significant findings: (1) both male and female pre-service teachers had high-stress levels; (2) male…

This research captured the voices of 578 current university students investigating whether they have considered leaving university without completing their studies, what caused them to consider leaving their studies, and explored the reasons that led them to stay. The majority of participants had considered leaving university without completing…

It has become increasingly difficult for individuals with only a high school diploma to earn a living wage. It is vital for individuals to have more education and training to increase their earnings and be competitive in the marketplace. Adults needing to enhance their skill set or to learn a new skill are enrolling in community colleges, which…

Higher education has seen a significant shift in the last two decades, with contemporary students representing more diverse cohorts who are increasingly balancing study alongside competing life-roles and responsibilities. Given the rise in student attrition and concerns regarding engagement, we saw a visible need to consider how our students could…

The purpose of this research was to study and examine the phenomenon of scholarship student-athletes that participate in men and women sports at Mercer University and how they become successful handling the balance of time commitments between reaching their academic and athletic collegiate goals. This research took an in-depth look at how the…

This study focuses on the ethical foundations of learning in virtual environments and identifies the ethical values perceived by university students and faculty in the learning process. We analyzed 235 participants, including students from different Spanish-speaking countries and virtual education teachers, and employed a design-based research…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was perhaps no group of students better prepared to make the switch to online learning than Gen Z. Research supports the fact that Gen Z adapts quickly to and enjoys technology integration in educational spaces (Barber, 2020; Mellman, 2020; Pavao, 2020; Strawser, 2020), yet no research has explored how at-risk…

This study focuses on the reasons why students from private universities who have finished their studies, but not their research work, a requirement to obtain their degree. Several studies agree that the supervision process is a fundamental factor to complete the thesis successfully. Thesis development and successful thesis completion are…

Disparities in academic performance between African-American and White students are larger in online courses than in face-to-face courses. As online learning grows and students enroll in more online courses as a way of balancing school with work and family obligations, African-American enrollment in online courses threatens to exacerbate the…

Online course design and delivery rapidly expanded due to COVID-19. The impact on Deaf/Hard of hearing (D/HH) learners since the pandemic is unknown. In this prepandemic qualitative study, however, ninety-three (93) D/HH online students participated in a survey, from which nine (9) participated in a focus group interview to share their experiences…

This qualitative study identified the factors that contributed to the success experienced by students with learning disabilities in their first year of college. The primary factors that emerged from student interviews were their attitudes about higher education, and their personal attributes including motivation, maturity, and persistence.…

The purpose of this single phenomenological case study was to examine the importance of an FYE or College 101 seminar and why this topic matters to Latinx students' success. The research took place in a two-year Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in the Southwest part of the United States. The overarching question was: "How can…