Share Paper: Online Learning in the 30 Community Colleges of the State University of New York: Differences in Outcomes between Classroom and Online Coursework

  1. Peter Shea, University at Albany, SUNY, United States
  2. Temi Bidjerano, Furman University, United States
Thursday, June 22 3:00-3:20 PM Edison B

Abstract: This study extends prior work on questions related to the academic performance of community college students enrolled in online coursework. Using data from the entire community college system of the State University of New York the study employs structural equation modeling to compare course and program level outcomes. Specifically, we compared GPA and degree attainment for classroom-only students and students with online coursework. Results indicate that online students had lower GPAs but were significantly more likely to attain a credential than classroom-only students. This analysis confirms prior large-scale investigations suggesting an online paradox whereby community college students who take online ...