A Comparative Study of Differences in Attrition Rates in Distance Education and Traditional Courses During the 1998-99 Academic Year in a Wisconsin Technical College System District

Abstract

This one year study examines attrition rates in distance education offerings at a district within the Wisconsin Technical College System. The study indicates that students in internet courses at the focus school are completing courses at a higher rate than those students enrolled in video and telecourses and even traditional parallel courses. A review of the types of courses offered in the various distance education modalities seems to indicate a possible connection between type of course (e.g., introductory) that is offered and its completion rate. It was noted that successful internet courses at the focus school are courses that are computer courses and I or advanced program courses. It was also noted that video and telecourses which had higher attrition rates than their traditional parallel courses tended to be introductory in nature or general knowledge courses.