ERIC Number: ED620017
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 260
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-7906-6431-1
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Does Online Education Work for Me? A Case Study of Selected Hispanic Adult Learners
McDowell, Rex A.
ProQuest LLC, D.Phil. Dissertation, Columbia International University
This case study explored how Hispanic conservative Wesleyan-Arminian adult students perceived online education, with a specific focus on their perceptions of technological aspects, asynchronous online discussions (AODs), and the effectiveness of online delivery for themselves. The purposive sampling consisted of 16 Hispanic conservative Wesleyan-Arminian adult learners, six in Guatemala, six in Honduras, and four in the USA. Participants simultaneously took a six-week online course in Spanish; the course included AODs. Data about the learners' perceptions of online education came from a precourse interview, three AODs and four journal reflections during the course, and a postcourse interview. Data analysis suggested that, although challenges in technological access, adequacy, and literacy still existed, they were not great enough to keep the participants from engaging in online education. Participants reported that due to their educational background, they found AODs unfamiliar, but they perceived that AODs were a highly effective learning tool. Their actual experience in AODs during the course, however, revealed a need to improve in AOD participation. Participants perceived that online education was effective for them. Most participants believed they learned as well or better than they would have in a comparable face-to-face course. They further expressed a strong readiness to continue learning online in the future. The case study contributes to a greater understanding of the compatibility between online education and these Hispanic adults' cultural, educational, and technological contexts. This awareness aids persons who design and offer online training for pastors and leaders of Hispanic conservative Wesleyan-Arminian churches. The insights may also be relevant to other Hispanics who share similar personal, cultural, and educational characteristics. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Hispanic American Students, Adult Students, Online Courses, Student Attitudes, Educational Technology, Asynchronous Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Delivery Systems, Program Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Group Discussion, Barriers, Churches, Clergy
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; Honduras; Guatemala
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A