Achieving Persistence in Online Programs

Online learning experiences offer students the opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals within the context of their busy lives. But persistence in online programs is believed to be lower than traditional counterparts. Complied here are the reflections of persistent online learners and experienced online faculty members. Their insights on best practices for persistence were organized around three broad characteristics: personal traits of the learner; the learning environment including the role of the instructor course design considerations and an online service orientation; and external factors. Attention to all of these areas can help propel learners to success and graduation.