ERIC Number: EJ1440430
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1556-3847
Balancing Technology and Mental Health: A Study of Online Education's Influence on Graduate Student Achievement
Kyle Brezinski; Hanah Ploub; Tzvi Tabakman
Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, v27 n3 2024
Universities increasingly integrate online education into their pedagogical practices, utilizing digital tools like video conferencing and discussion boards to enhance learning and foster global collaboration. Research shows that technology influences social interactions and collaborative problem-solving, positively impacting student engagement, satisfaction, and academic performance. However, the debate on online education's benefits and drawbacks continues. Proponents highlight democratized access, flexible schedules, and cost reduction, while critics point to inadequate face-to-face interaction, technical challenges, and perceived lower credibility of online degrees. Despite these drawbacks, advancements in technology are mitigating some concerns. Additionally, mental health significantly affects academic success, but there is limited data on support systems for online students. This study examines the relationship between anxiety levels and academic performance among graduate students in an online counseling program. The findings revealed no significant relationship between anxiety levels and GPAs, challenging previous research and highlighting the complexity of factors affecting student performance in online education. This suggests that other variables, such as time management, support systems, or coping mechanisms, may play a more critical role. Further research is needed to explore these additional factors and develop comprehensive support strategies for online learners.
Descriptors: Online Courses, Educational Technology, Graduate Students, Mental Health, Barriers, Technology Uses in Education, Correlation, Anxiety, Academic Achievement, Counselor Training, Grade Point Average, Student Needs, Coping, Time Management, Success
State University of West Georgia. 1601 Maple Street, Honors House, Carrollton, GA 30118. Tel: 678-839-5489; Fax: 678-839-0636; e-mail: distance@westga.edu; Web site: https://ojdla.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A