ERIC Number: ED577998
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 259
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-3551-5662-1
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Relationship between Online Students' Use of Services and Their Feelings of Mattering
Hart, Tracy L.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of New Mexico
The purpose of this single case study was to examine the relationship between online students' use of support services and their feelings of mattering using a convergent parallel research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Students enrolled exclusively in online classes during the academic year 2015-2016 at the University of New Mexico (UNM) were invited to participate. The survey was based on the theoretical and conceptual frameworks for comprehensive services and mattering theory. Responses provided descriptive statistics and correlation analysis with stories that added to the description of students' service experiences. Service-to-service correlations showed correlation strength of moderate, strong, or very strong. Services-to-mattering correlations showed nine services moderately or strongly positively correlated with students' feelings of mattering: Academic Advising, Academic Counseling, Institution-to-Student communications, Placement Services, Ethical & Legal Services, Orientation, Personal Counseling, Career Services, and Retention Services. These nine services tend to function as relationship-style interactions. Qualitative responses indicate that students view their interactions without distinguishing them as service- or instruction-based interactions. Four themes that emerged from this study offer insight into how UNM can relate to its online students through its service offerings and interactions. Students view their online experiences "holistically," suggesting an integrated approach to service- and instruction-based interactions. By interacting in caring, helpful ways, and providing a "personal touch" through service interactions, UNM can provide an avenue for students to build "community and connect" with the institution and each other, "supported and accessed through technology." [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: College Students, Electronic Learning, Student Personnel Services, Case Studies, Student Attitudes, Statistical Analysis, Qualitative Research, Student Surveys, Correlation, Academic Advising, Student College Relationship, School Orientation, Counseling
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Mexico
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A