Kolakowski_DisserationsReview

7/30/2019 Kolakowski_DisserationsReview

1/3

Lisa Kolakowski

May 28, 2013

AEET/EDET 780

Review of Dissertations

Introduction

The topic I selected was e-learning and adults. I chose this topic because it relates to my daily work and

I would also like to learn more about the topic. There were a ton of search results, from countries all

over the world. I wanted to focus on the United States and the motivation and effectiveness of e-

learning for adults.

Dissertation 1:

E-learning Technologies: A Comparative Study of Adult Learners Enrolled on Blended and OnlineCampuses Engaging in a Virtual Classroom

Smith, Belinda G. (July 2010). E-learning Technologies: A Comparative Study of Adult Learners Enrolled

on Blended and Online Campuses Engaging in a Virtual Classroom. Ph.D. dissertation, Capella University,

United States -- Minnesota.

Retrieved May 27, 2013, from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text.

http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?ac

countid=13965

Summary

This dissertation is about e-learning for adults, comparing adult learners in bended programs and online

only programs. The quantitative study measures the engagement of the two types of students. The

study is determining the devices being used to take the online courses, the media used to engage in the

class and if there are differences in the amount of e-learning technology being used.

Review

I found this dissertation interesting to read about because I am in an online only masters degree

program. The information in the dissertation was helpful in learning more about blended programs. I

have never participated in a blended program, so I was interested to learn more. I find it somewhat

surprising the high dropout rate for e-learning adult students. I was surprised at the large number of

ways to access the learner through e-learning technologies and I was not surprised by the three ways to

access the course in general.
http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?accountid=13965http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?accountid=13965http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?accountid=13965http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?accountid=13965http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?accountid=13965


2/3

Dissertation 2:

Adult Learners Motivation in Self-Directed E-learning

Kim, Kyong-Jee (August 2005). Adult Learners Motivation in Self-Directed E-learning. Ph.D. dissertation,

Indiana University, United States Indiana.



countid=13965

Summary

This dissertation is about e-learning and the motivation for adult learners. Creating a successful online

course means the learner is actively engaged. E-learning courses have high dropout rates and

motivation is a factor in why learners drop out. Motivation allows one to become a lifelong learner.

This dissertation compares two types of learners, adult learners in an online only campus and adult

learners in a blended campus.

Review

I found this dissertation particularly interesting for several reasons. First, I am currently enrolled in an

online only masters program. Second, I work as an instructional designer studying educational

technology. The topic is of interest to me both personally and professionally. Motivation is something I

struggle with in an online only masters program, and as an instructional designer creating e-learning for

sales agents. The theories used in this dissertation as the same theories I am learning about in my

coursework. I found the background on distance learning to be very interesting, since I never read

about that before. The research questions are clearly defined and applied to the research.


3/3

Dissertation 3:

Comparing Perceived Effectiveness of E-learning and Traditional Learning in the Business Environment

Gaither, Kimberly A. (June 2009) Comparing Perceived Effectiveness of E-learning and Traditional

Learning in the Business Environment. Ph.D. dissertation, Northcentral University, United States

Arizona.



countid=13965

Summary

This dissertation is about e-learning and traditional learning in the business world. The reasons for e-

learning are around convenience, best use of time, relevancy and flexibility. The explanation of

training, training for adults, effectiveness, management support, timeliness, flexibility, chunking and

barriers are all addressed. The research topic studied was if there are differences between e-learning

and traditional learning, and if it differed based on employee type.

Review

I found this dissertation extremely interesting and valuable. Since I work in training for a business

organization, I could apply the methodology and findings to my everyday work. There was a significant

amount of data and research that went into this dissertation, at time it felt like too much analysis and

information that it was hard to follow. Overall, I did enjoy reading this dissertation and finding one that

relates very well to my job.

Kolakowski_DisserationsReview

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