University students' experience in on-line courses

The delivery of courses over the Internet (on-line) is becoming very popular. On-line courses are appearing for industry, general interest and for education allowing university students to take courses on-line. Universities now offer complete degree programs on-line. Numerous university instructors now use some form of on-line learning in the delivery of their courses. This study explores the experience of students taking on-line courses at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). This research will assist instructors at UPEI in the development and delivery of their on-line courses, whether fully on-line or web-assisted, so that students' learning experiences will be enhanced.

This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore students' responses to their on-line learning experience at UPEI. Questionnaires were e-mailed to all students enrolled in seven on-line courses offered at UPEI, with a return rate of 33%. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with students and course instructors. The results of the study indicate that both instructors and the students alike believed that the students had a positive learning experience while taking their on-line course.

The study revealed important benefits of on-line learning for both students and instructors including flexibility, convenience, accessibility, interactivity, and effective communication via bulletin boards. The findings also indicated that students and instructors believe in the importance of on-line course offerings at UPEI. During the time frame of this study, the majority of students enrolled in on-line courses at UPEI were students enrolled in a co-op program. The results of this study should give students insight into what to expect when enrolling in an on-line course and provide instructors with valuable information regarding the development of on-line courses which will enhance the students' learning experiences.