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Teachers’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Students’ Academic

Performance in Online Courses: A Case Study
Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky
Concordia University - Portland, [email protected]

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Teachers’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Students’ Academic

Performance in Online Courses: A Case Study
Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky
Concordia University - Portland

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 Concordia University–Portland

College of Education

Doctor of Education Program

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE DISSERTATION COMMITTEE

CERTIFY THAT WE HAVE READ AND APPROVE THE DISSERTATION OF

Autumn Tiffany Reyes-Sokolowsky

CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF EDUCATION

Libi Shen, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Dissertation Committee

John D’Aguanno, Ed.D., Content Specialist

Anastasia D’Angelo, Ed.D., Content Reader

Teachers’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Performance in Online

Courses: A Case Study

Autumn Tiffany Reyes-Sokolowsky

Concordia University–Portland

College of Education

Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the College of Education

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Doctor of Education in

Instructional Leadership

Libi Shen, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Dissertation Committee

John D’Aguanno, Ed.D., Content Specialist

Anastasia D’Angelo Ed.D., Content Reader

Concordia University–Portland

2020
 Abstract

The problem at the center of this study was the fact that full-time virtual students often showed

less learning gains than their traditional counterparts. The purpose of the study was to explore

teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors influencing students’ academic achievement

in online courses. The central research question was: what factors do teachers perceive as a

significant impact on online students’ success? A qualitative method with a case study design

was adopted. Data were collected through individual teacher interviews and a focus group

discussion in southeastern region of the United States. The results showed five significant

themes: student motivation/drive in academics, teacher support for online students,

communication between stakeholders for student success, parent support of the student, and

home life of the student. The implication of this study highlights the need for all stakeholders to

evaluate the effectiveness of virtual coursework and redesign course framework to meet the

needs of students. The recommendation for further research includes expanding the scope of the

study to understand online learning’s impact on other student populations, including student

populations across the United States, along with countries around the world.

Keywords: virtual education, academic achievement, online coursework, teacher

perception, internal factors, external factors, distance learning

ii
 Dedication

This dissertation is dedicated to my husband and my son.

iii
 Acknowledgements

I would first like to thank my Faculty Chair, Dr. Libi Shen, for her guidance and

encouragement throughout each stage of the process. I want to acknowledge Dr. John

D’Aguanno and Dr. Anastasia D’Angelo, who provided insightful advice for refining my

dissertation. I especially want to thank my sister Amber Reyes who provided constant support

during the entire process. I want to thank my participants, who spent hours volunteering to

answer my interview questions. Without all of you, I would not have been able to complete my

research.

iv
 Table of Contents

Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii

Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................ iv

List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. x

Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction to the Problem ................................................................................................ 2

Background, Context, History, and Conceptual Framework for the Problem .................... 2

Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................... 5

Purpose of the Study ........................................................................................................... 6

Research Questions ............................................................................................................. 7

Rationale, Relevance, and Significance of the Study ......................................................... 8

Definition of Terms........................................................................................................... 10

Assumptions, Delimitations and Limitations .................................................................... 13

Summary ........................................................................................................................... 15

Chapter 2: Literature Review........................................................................................................ 17

Introduction to the Literature Review ............................................................................... 17

The Opening.......................................................................................................... 17

The Study Topic .................................................................................................... 18

The Context ........................................................................................................... 19

The Significance ................................................................................................... 19

The Problem Statement ......................................................................................... 20

The Organization .................................................................................................. 22

v
 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................... 22

Review of Research Literature and Methodological Literature ........................................ 29

Studies on Virtual/Online Learning ...................................................................... 29

Distance (Online/Virtual) Learning Impact on Student Learning ........................ 31

Characteristics That Impact Student Achievement ............................................... 34

Review of Methodological Issues ..................................................................................... 35

Quantitative Research and Distance Learning ...................................................... 35

Qualitative Research and Distance Learning ........................................................ 36

Synthesis of Research Findings ........................................................................................ 37

Critique of Previous Research .......................................................................................... 39

Summary ........................................................................................................................... 40

Chapter 3: Methodology ............................................................................................................... 42

Introduction to Chapter 3 .................................................................................................. 42

Research Questions ........................................................................................................... 43

Purpose and Design of the Study ...................................................................................... 44

Research Population and Sampling Method ..................................................................... 46

Research Population.............................................................................................. 47

Sampling Method .................................................................................................. 48

Instrumentation ................................................................................................................. 49

Individual Interview .............................................................................................. 49

Focus Group Discussion ....................................................................................... 52

Data Collection ................................................................................................................. 52

Identification of Attributes ................................................................................................ 54

vi
 Age ........................................................................................................................ 54

Gender ................................................................................................................... 54

Ethnicity & Language ........................................................................................... 55

Technology proficiency/literacy ........................................................................... 55

Course design/curriculum ..................................................................................... 55

Parent support ....................................................................................................... 56

Teacher support/teaching strategies ...................................................................... 56

Motivation ............................................................................................................. 56

Data Analysis Procedures ................................................................................................. 57

Limitations of the Research Design .................................................................................. 58

Validation .......................................................................................................................... 59

Credibility ............................................................................................................. 59

Dependability ........................................................................................................ 60

Expected Findings ............................................................................................................. 60

Ethical Issues .................................................................................................................... 61

Conflict of Interest Assessment ............................................................................ 62

Researcher’s Position ............................................................................................ 62

Ethical Issues in the Study .................................................................................... 62

Chapter Summary ............................................................................................................. 63

Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Results .......................................................................................... 65

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 65

Description of the Sample ................................................................................................. 66

Research Methodology and Analysis................................................................................ 68

vii
 Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 68

Data Analysis ........................................................................................................ 69

Summary of the Findings .................................................................................................. 70

Individual Teacher Interviews Summary .............................................................. 71

Focus Group Discussion Summary ....................................................................... 75

Presentation of the Data and Results ................................................................................ 76

Participants’ Profiles ............................................................................................. 77

Research Questions Findings ................................................................................ 88

Chapter Summary ............................................................................................................. 93

Chapter 5: Discussions and Conclusions ...................................................................................... 95

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 95

Summary of the Results .................................................................................................... 95

Interview Findings ................................................................................................ 95

Focus Group Discussion Findings ........................................................................ 98

Discussions of Results ...................................................................................................... 99

Student-Centered Learning ................................................................................. 100

External Factors and Online Student Success ..................................................... 102

Internal Factors and Online Student Success ...................................................... 103

Inferences ............................................................................................................ 104

Discussion of the Results in Relation to the Literature................................................... 105

Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 109

Implication of the Results for Practice, Policy, and Theory ........................................... 110

Practice ................................................................................................................ 110

viii
 Policy .................................................................................................................. 111

Theory ................................................................................................................. 113

Recommendations for Further Research ......................................................................... 115

Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 116

References................................................................................................................................... 120

Appendix A: Previous Research ................................................................................................. 126

Appendix B: Introductory Email Letter ...................................................................................... 137

Appendix C: Consent Letter of Participation ............................................................................. 138

Appendix D: Interview Questions .............................................................................................. 140

Appendix E: Focus Group Discussion........................................................................................ 141

Appendix F: Summary of the Findings from Teacher Interviews .............................................. 142

Appendix G: Summary of Findings from the Focus Group Discussion ..................................... 143

Appendix H: Factors Impacting Student Success Online ........................................................... 144

Appendix I: Statement of Original Work ................................................................................... 146

ix
 List of Tables

Table 1. Research Questions/ Interview Questions Association Table…………………………..49

Table 2. Participants Teaching Information and Professional Characteristics.……………...…67

x
 Chapter 1: Introduction

Student achievement in virtual courses has become a paramount concern in recent years.

This concern is due to the increase in the number of students partaking in courses in online

learning environments. Students are regularly encouraged to take additional virtual courses to

complement their traditional brick and mortar coursework (Caranikas-Walker, Maloney,

Shapley, & Sheehan, 2011). Across the nation, many public school districts have implemented

graduation policies that require students to take one or more virtual courses during their

educational careers along with their traditional coursework. The conduction of the study occurs

in one such public school district, which has increased the requirement of one virtual course to

two as part of the graduation requirements.

The educational panorama is changing rapidly, and distance education is one such

transformation (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). With the evolution of virtual learning, the need to

evaluate the overall effectiveness of online courses becomes a principal focus for educators and

other stakeholders (Conway, Hachey, & Wladis, 2015). Virtual education is progressing at a

rapid rate (Friedman & Weiser, 2004) as public school districts continue to increase the number

of online courses required for graduation. Technology use in public schools reflect this trend

with implementation of technology in high school, followed by middle school, and trending

towards an increase in technology in elementary school. District and statewide testing have

phased out paper and pencil assessments in favor of computer-based testing.

With the increase in students taking online courses, conduction of research should occur

to determine the effectiveness of such coursework. Research conducted includes statistics that

examine the effects of online courses on learner comprehension and performance in online

classes (Artino & Jones, 2012). The long-term effect of virtual education on students is not yet

1
determined. Information presently collected provides a plethora of informative and noteworthy

data that provide insights into future research (Lin & Songtao, 2012). Contemporary data

suggested there is a unique nature to virtual education. In previous research on online instruction,

features (internal influences such as student characteristics) and factors (external influences such

as parent support) showed an effect on students’ achievement in the virtual environment (Boyer,

Brunner, Charles, & Coleman, 2006).

Introduction to the Problem

Online education is rapidly growing in popularity, and it is assumed to be as effective as

traditional schooling. To understand virtual education’s impact and to ensure equality in online

learning, research should focus on the differences amongst students in these environments and

barriers to their learning to design appropriate courses. Bobeva, Clarida, Hutchings, and Taylor

(2015) observed that the creation of online courses mirrors traditional teaching methods that may

be outdated to meet the needs of students. Berge and Muilenbrug (2005) stressed the need to

comprehend barriers that impacted learners in online environments and how we could use this

understanding to meet students’ needs better to increase achievement. Online education is one-

dimensional in the sense that virtual courses have generic course layouts. The creation and

design of online coursework do not consider the different ways in which students learn and

interact with knowledge (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). This one-dimensional design could have

dire long-term outcomes concerning student success.

Background, Context, History, and Conceptual Framework for the Problem

The Background

The conduction of this case study was at a virtual school in southeastern region of the

United States. The study explored the teacher perceptions of the internal and external features

2
that impacted their virtual students. Virtual education is in high demand due to the accessibility,

user-friendliness, and the overall convenience it provides (Phillips, 2005). Many advocates of

education call for the need to evaluate online learning effects on student success and

comprehension while finding the best practices that would enhance the learning of online

students (Cheung & Slavin, 2013).

The need to collect information and understand virtual education’s impact on students

becomes of vital importance to future virtual learning. Research conducted will help determine

the overall effect on student success. Comprehension will organize and encourage planning for

future implementation of best practices within online courses (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Best

practices can enhance the interaction of learners within online courses, which will further

promote the allocation of resources to meet the needs of all types of online learners (Bobeva et

al., 2015).

Once data are collected from a variety of studies, then educators, administrators, and

stakeholders can determine what methods to use to reach all students in the virtual classroom.

Once the implementation of established methods occurs, the impacts of virtual education on

student success become apparent. These methods can then be reviewed and altered to better meet

the needs of online learners (Bobeva et al., 2015). There is potential for virtual education, and

options will continue to grow; therefore, warranted is a long-term study of its overall

effectiveness and student comprehension.

The Context and History

Through different K–12 district assessments, data gathered detected internal and external

factors that impacted student achievement in online courses (Abrami, Bauer, & Surkes, 2004).

Researchers specifically identified internal factors based on student characteristics. These

3
students’ characteristics include but are not limited to, age, ethnicity, gender, and so forth. Even

with the identification of these student characteristics, data did not determine the significance

such internal factors played within the achievement and comprehension of the student while in

their virtual classes (Bobeva et al., 2015). Other research suggested the impact of external factors

on student comprehension.

The significance of online education has suggested an increased need for and awareness

of best practices that help reach online student learners in a meaningful way. The virtual learning

environment is a continuously up and coming field, where understanding the impact it has on

students through a collection of various data are essential. The research questions of this study

connected to several different themes within the literature; specifically, the themes were distance

learning, digital exclusion/inclusion, digital literacy, and educational equality. These themes

impacted student success and comprehension within the virtual environment in different ways

and highlighted how virtual instruction is altering the educational environment.

The Conceptual Framework

Within research conducted on distance education, several themes stemmed from different

educational theories. One of the leading themes focused on the importance of student-centered

learning within the virtual educational sphere (Ismail & Siti, 2012). These student-centered

internal influences included age, gender, and ethnicity. Other previous research conducted

highlighted the nature of student interaction and its impact on their online coursework (Friedman

& Weiser, 2004). These included external influences such as course design, support systems, and

access to technology.

Within the research of distance learning, theories that emerged that corresponded with the

study involved: learning theory, behaviorist philosophy of learning, informational processing

4
theory, and social cognitive theory. Common themes seen in the literature and included in the

measurement of the study consisted of internal and external influences. Internal influences were

student characteristics of age, gender, and so forth, and external influences included external

factors like parent support. The emphasis was on distance learning, digital exclusion/inclusion,

digital literacy, and educational equality, which all focused on the concept of student-driven

models in online courses (Boyer et al., 2008).

Statement of the Problem

The problem was that full-time virtual students showed less learning gains than their

traditional counterparts (Layton, 2015). There were high levels of failure rate for students who

took online courses (Kerr, 2015). Jaggars and Xu (2013) claimed that the online format had

significant negative impacts on students’ course grades. On average, the impact showed that

students taking online courses had final grades that decreased by more than 0.3 points on a 4-

point scale (Jaggars & Xu, 2013). The study compared students’ grades in their traditional

courses versus their online courses, which showed the negative impact of online learning in

terms of both course persistence and course grade (Jaggars & Xu, 2013).

These problems impacted a variety of populations (Gatchair, 2013), and several

characteristics may have impacted academic achievement (Alonso, González-Gómez, Guardiola,

& Rodríguez, 2012). Through research, we can detect internal and external factors that led to

achievement gaps in online classes (Githens, Jost, & Rude-Parkins, 2012). Researchers can

determine if there are negative or positive influences of online education on student academic

achievement. With the rise of distance learning, the need for educational equality will increase,

meeting the various needs of online student learners (Githens et al., 2012). Once the

identification of external and internal characteristics occurs that influence learners in virtual

5
classes, the implementation of best practices to close the achievement gap present in virtual

learning can occur (Bobeva et al., 2015).

Additionally, Kerr (2015) also pointed out that factors lead to students’ low academic

performance in virtual classes. It becomes essential to understand why this negative trend in

student achievement arises in online courses. In other words, current research should focus on

internal and external factors that impact online student achievement. These different internal and

external factors could lead to achievement gaps within the online course.

Beck and Milligan’s (2014) study sought to discover what factors, whether external or

internal, impacted students’ course completion in the online environment. A significant finding

was that student interaction within the course was of importance for overall success, while

student demographics were not a significant predictor of success in the online environment

(Beck & Milligan, 2014). Ke and Kwak (2013a) noted that an internal student characteristic,

such as age, negatively influenced student achievement within the online course. The data

presented in these studies allude to the impact of external and internal factors within the virtual

environment.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external

factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. Within the research

conducted on distance education, educational theories came to light. Of significance was student-

centered learning in the virtual sphere. The researcher attempted to identify internal

characteristics and external influences that impacted online student learning. Internal

characteristics included gender, age, and ethnicity. External influences included support systems,

access to technology, and course design. Common themes seen in the literature drove variables

6
used in the measurement of the study, which consisted of internal and external influences. These

had an emphasis on distance learning, digital exclusion/inclusion, digital literacy, and

educational equality. With these frameworks, an examination of the concept of student-driven

models highlighted external factors and internal characteristics that impact student interaction

within their online courses including the role of the virtual teacher (Boyer et al., 2008).

Research Questions

The central research question was created and highlighted the research pursuit to discover

teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors that impact students’ achievement in online

schooling. The researcher composed the central research question to elicit teacher perceptions on

internal and external factors that may cause barriers for their online students. The following

research subquestions formed the center of the research in order to identify if there were external

factors or internal student characteristics that influenced student achievement within the virtual

environment. The subquestions looked to expand upon the responses given from the central

question and delve into specific factors that impact online academic achievement.

Central Research Question

RQ. What factors do teachers perceive as a significant impact on online students’

success?

Research Subquestions

SQ1. What external factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic

performance in online courses?

SQ2. What internal factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic

performance in online courses?

7
 SQ3. How do teachers perceive the relationship between student characteristics and other

factors such as technology literacy, course design, instructor interaction, and so forth, on

students’ success?

SQ4. What suggestions do teachers have for improving students’ academic performance

in online courses?

Rationale, Relevance, and Significance of the Study

The focus of the research was to discern teachers’ perceptions of the influence of factors

that distance education had on student academic success. Outlined below were the rationale,

relevance, and significance of the study. The increasing trend of online education, in conjunction

with traditional schooling, drove the need for such a study. The study could provide relevant data

for stakeholders to determine the impact of virtual courses on students. The significance of the

study could lead to the implementation of improved course design to increase student success.

Rationale

The demand for distance education is due to accessibility (Phillips, 2005). Due to

accessibility, more students are taking online courses (Cheung & Slavin, 2013). Along with

accessibility, the practice of school districts to implement graduation policies that include

student’s enrollment in online courses has increased the population of online learners. The area

of focus was essential to the future of online learning and its long-term impact on student

success. Since there is high dropout rate for online students, it is of importance to explore the

major factors leading to their failure or dropout. Such research could help administrators,

educators, and other stakeholders to collect research to determine the impact of these new

graduation requirements. Organized findings would help to implement best practices in course

design to reach all types of online learners (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

8
Relevance

Teacher’s perceptions of internal and external factors that impact online student learners

are of great importance as they are in constant contact with these learners. Their interaction with

students helps with their understanding of best practices that genuinely reaches all online

learners. Implementation of best practices in online learning could increase academic success

(Bobeva et al., 2015). With increasing awareness of online course structure and practices, overall

student achievement will lead to significant impacts. Accessing the influence online learning has

on students in various areas can help shed light on the creation of future courses as the trend for

online education increases (Yu, 2016).

Significance

The significance of the study is that this study might help a variety of stakeholders to

reconsider students’ challenges in online education. With the rise of virtual education, the

population of learners is ever-increasing (Githens et al., 2012). Hopefully, the study provides

some insights into the external factors or internal characteristics that might bolster or hinder

student success in the online environment. The study might also lead to an increase in

understanding achievement gaps in online courses.

The research could benefit students, parents, administrators, and any stakeholders

involved in virtual learning. The study might benefit future researchers to explore further the

relationship between student achievement and internal and external factors in the online

environment. Through research, students and stakeholders will have a better understanding of the

online requirements resulting in higher student achievement.

9
 Definition of Terms

Accessibility: This term is defined as the degree in which a product or service is available

to a large population of individuals. In education this accessibility deals with academic resources

such as textbooks, computers, and tutoring services (Bobeva et al., 2015).

Achievement gap: This term is defined as the observed differences in educational

performance based on demographics such as economics, race, ethnicity, gender, and so on. (Yu,

2016).

Assessments: This term is defined as the evaluation (especially in education) of student

learning and comprehension usually through district or state-wide testing (Loftus, 2013).

Behaviorist: This term is defined as the individuals who study the behaviorist philosophy

(Artino & Jones, 2012).

Behaviorist philosophy of learning: This term is defined as the educational theory in

which learning centers around a system of rewards to increase desired behaviors (Artino &

Jones, 2012).

Best practices: This term is defined as the effective practices implemented to produce the

best results. Regarding education, the methods in which proves efficient in student

comprehension of material (Yu, 2016).

Brick and mortar: This term is defined as the traditional design of schools in which

students attend classes regularly with teacher led instruction (Yu, 2016).

Course design: This term is defined as the process of creating courses including the

process of forming a framework (Loftus, 2013).

Developmental approach: This term is defined as the study that looks at how individuals

progress socially and emotionally throughout their lifetime (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

10
 Distance learning: This term is defined as the type of education in which the instruction

of students is through a variety of technologies and instructors, who facilitate communication via

these technologies (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005).

Digital inclusion/exclusion: This term is defined as the ability of disadvantaged groups to

have access to skills, IT, and other technology in order to participate in distance education

(Bobeva et al., 2015).

Digital literacy: This term is defined as a student’s skill to use technology in a variety of

mediums and platforms (Loftus, 2013).

Educational equality: This term is defined as the fairness and opportunity for all students

within education (Hew & Tan, 2017).

Evaluation systems: This term is defined as the outlined structure to access the

effectiveness of course design in education to meet the growing needs of students (Yu, 2016).

External factors: This term is defined as outside influences of an individual or practice.

In education this could include home life and parent support. (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Extrinsic: This term is defined as the anything that comes from outside the person’s body

or mind (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Framework: This term is defined as the structure of course design that provides the map

of the progression of content (Yu, 2016).

Homogeneous: This term is defined as, in terms of population, having one set of

characteristics (Bobeva et al., 2015).

Heterogeneous: This term is defined as, in terms of population, having more than one set

of characteristics (Bobeva et al., 2015).

11
 Implementation: This term is defined as the execution of a plan. Within education, the

process of putting into place a new standard of learning or teaching (Yu, 2016).

Information processing theory: This term is defined as the theory that centers on

student’s individual ability to process new information, which impacts overall learning

abilities (Yu, 2016).

Intrinsic: This term is defined as the anything that comes from inside the person’s body

or mind, behaviorally (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Internal Factors: This term is defined as the inside influence of the individual or practice.

In education this includes student characteristics (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

IT: This term is defined as the use of technology for information. Within education, the

use of computers, tablets, and laptops for learning (Loftus, 2013).

Learning gaps- This term is defined as the predetermined set of academic norms that

students are expected to know at each academic level of education (Yu, 2016).

Learning theory: This term is defined as the theory that explains the different ways

individuals learn (Yu, 2016).

Navigation: This term is defined as the way in which individuals can access course

content and steer through the course content and materials (Loftus, 2013).

Online education: This term is defined as the type of learning in which students use

technology to facilitate education and learning (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005).

Perceptions: This term is defined as the way an individual identifies situations, events,

information using one’s senses (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Social cognitive theory: This term is defined as the theory that significant learning occurs

due to the interaction of individuals within their social environment (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

12
 Social environments: This term is defined as the social surroundings of an individual

including their social interactions (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Socioeconomic status: This term is defined as the social and economic demographics of

an individual (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Stakeholders: This term is defined as an individual or group with an interest in

something. In education, any person who has an interest in the academics of schools (Friedman

& Weiser, 2004).

Student centered learning: This term is defined as the method of teaching that focuses on

student-driven accountability and teacher facilitation (Yu, 2016).

Student Characteristics: This term is defined as the defined attributes of an individual. In

education, the attributes that impact a student’s academics (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Traditional instruction: This term is defined as the teaching method where the instructor

directs learning and students are housed in a brick and mortar classroom (Yu, 2016).

Virtual learning: This term is defined as education based on the use of technology to

facilitate learning and student comprehension (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005).

Assumptions, Delimitations and Limitations

The focus of this qualitative case study research design was to investigate teacher’s

perceptions of internal/external factors that impacted academic achievement in online courses.

As with any research, there were certain assumptions, delimitations, and limitations that

occurred. The researcher began the study with specific assumptions regarding the sample

population. The researcher was aware of the limitations of the study, including the specific

population size. A major delimitation, including the fact that the study was only a snapshot in

time.

13
Assumptions

The assumption was that for this study, all teachers were aware and able to identify

internal and external factors that impacted student learning within the online environment. With

this assumption, information collected showcased the perceptions of teachers on the different

factors that impacted student achievement in online courses. The information could then be used

to highlight best practices in the virtual environment. Best practices could then be implemented

to increase student online academic success.

Limitations

Within the research design, there were several limitations. One was the small sample size

of the study, which limited the amount of information gained. The collection of data came from a

sample from an online school from the teacher population. Therefore, the study could not be

generalized to a larger population. It could be applied only to the online school. Another

limitation was the truthfulness of teacher responses to the interview questions. The assumption

was that for this study, all answers provided through the interview were both honest and truthful.

With this assumption, information collected presented the perceptions of teachers of the different

internal and external factors that impact student achievement in online courses.

The proficiency of the English language of the teachers partaking in the interview was a

limitation. Though most of the teachers who participated spoke English at an idiomatic language

because teacher job requirements included a solid English understanding background, the

wording in the interview questions still needed straightforward interpretation. Carefully wording

the interview and having other individuals proofread the interpretive nature of the interview

questions was at the forefront to help limit results being misinterpreted or skewed.

14
Delimitation

One delimitation included the fact that the study was only a snapshot in the given

timeframe and thus did not reflect the long-term impact or changes that occur in the target

population over time. The one-time interview was due to time restraints of the study and cost.

The researcher recommends further research to ensure consistency of results.

Summary

Virtual education and online learner achievement have moved towards the forefront of

educational research (Shapley et al., 2011). The need to understand the impact on student

learning increases as the population of online learners grows at a rapid rate (Friedman & Weiser,

2004). Accessibility and the rise of district-wide policies regarding online courses as part of

graduation requirements have only added to this increase. Through previous investigations,

researchers determined that specific student characteristics might designate learner achievement

within virtual classes (Cook-Wallace, 2012). Further investigators concentrated on obstacles

impeding learner’s performance. These correlate to internal and external factors that might play a

role in online student success.

The increase in technology has led to an ever-larger population of online learners

(Friedman & Weiser, 2004). The new technology and the rise of virtual education become of

concern for educators (Conway et al., 2015). Since educational institutions are pushing for the

continued implementation of technology to complement traditional education, distance learning

continues to impact student learning (Coy, 2014). This push for virtual education increases the

need to understand further implications it has on students (Cheung & Slavin, 2013).

Research should focus on the effectiveness of such educational methods. Teachers’ perceptions

of the internal and external factors that impact online learning will be of importance as they will

15
be at the forefront of implementation. Teachers’ constant contact with students allows a firm

understanding of internal and external factors that influence student success.

Previous research has alluded to the role internal and external factors play in online

student success. Some research showed that student interaction in their online coursework was of

considerable importance (Ismail & Siti, 2012). This research would lend to the understanding of

internal factors that influence student academic achievement. Research also highlighted the

various features and factors that influenced students’ achievement in the virtual environment

(Boyer et al., 2008). This research would help determine the effect external factors have on

academic success in virtual courses. Chapter 2 includes relevant contemporary literature on the

topic. Chapter 2 covers an introduction, conceptual framework, review of research and

methodological literature, synthesis of research findings, and critique of previous research

studies.

16
 Chapter 2: Literature Review

Students’ educational achievement in online courses has recently become a prime

concern within the educational sphere. This focus is primarily due to the increase in the demand

for such classes, which is directly related to the growing norm of students taking virtual

academic courses reflecting district-wide graduation policies (Shapley et al., 2011). With the

high-tech advancements and greater access to a wide range of technologies, the educational

panorama is changing, creating a virtually different world regarding the traditional educational

model (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). With the evolution of virtual education, the need to evaluate

the overall impact of online courses becomes a paramount focus for educators and those involved

(Conway et al., 2015).

Introduction to the Literature Review

Virtual education is a rather new field, and therefore there is no determination on the

long-term effects it has on students. Data from previous research highlighted some interesting

information that can impact future online courses (Lin & Songtao, 2012). The wave of online

education has shed light on the fact that student interaction within their course plays a significant

role in student comprehension (Ismail & Siti, 2012). In some cases, students taking online

courses felt more connected to their instructors and virtual materials; however, these courses

lacked academic challenges (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Whether this will impact the model

used in traditional courses is still yet to be known. What these studies display are the many

internal and external factors at play that influence student academic success online.

The Opening

The literature review was conducted on the research studies and analyzed to assess what

influences virtual education has had on academic success and performance. One fundamental

17
consensus in the literature suggested that online education has become a focal theme of research

with its rise in popularity amongst traditional schools. It has become a common practice for

educational institutions to regularly require students to partake in virtual schooling, along with

their traditional education (Coy, 2014). The benefits of virtual education led to its increase in

popularity (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Research studies on online learning have gathered

statistics to inspect the effect of online courses on learner understanding and performance

(Artino & Jones, 2012).

The Study Topic

The study topic was on teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors influencing

student academic performance in online courses. Stakeholders in online education warrant the

need to evaluate virtual learning to enhance the comprehension of online students (Cheung &

Slavin, 2013) through the implementation of best practices (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Schools

support the vital importance in which online courses have on the future for student education.

Requiring students to partake in online classes has been widely maintained by school districts

across the nation as part of graduation requirements (Reynolds, 2011). This idea is mainly due to

the notion that technology already plays a significant role in a student’s daily life (Mahboub,

2011).

The high demand for virtual education corresponds to the need to understand its future

implications on student success (Cheung & Slavin, 2013). Since teachers are the main force for

implementation, their perceptions of internal and external factors that impact online students are

essential. Teachers’ perceptions and viewpoints will play a vital role in which best practices to

implement in online courses. Best practices can enhance the interaction of learners within online

courses that promotes the needs of all types of learners (Bobeva et al., 2015).

18
 The online learning environment brings its own set of practices (Ye, 2004). Such

practices may be abnormal for students unfamiliar with the online environment and could lead to

student failure as a result (Shapley et al., 2011). Investigating the online educational sphere can

help schools and students make practical decisions when registering for online coursework

(Abrami et al., 2004). With increasing awareness of online course structure and practices, an

increase in student achievement may occur. Exploring the impact online learning has had on

students will help in the construction of future courses (Yu, 2016).

The Context

Assessment data from various studies highlighted internal factors that influenced student

comprehension in the online environment (Abrami et al., 2004). Online learning is a relatively

new field, and there is limited data when compared to brick and mortar counterparts. One study

identified that age and ethnicity were internal factors that might hinder or promote academic

achievement in online courses (Ke & Kwak, 2013a). These were but some of the many

characteristics that might play a role in student success in online courses (Githens et al., 2012).

However, researchers have only identified specific characteristics among students in online

courses. Even with the identification of these student characteristics, data did not yet determine

the significance such characteristics play within the achievement of the student in their virtual

classes (Bobeva et al., 2015). There is a need to examine more factors leading to students’ online

success or challenges. Along with internal factors, researchers should focus on external factors

that impact online student success.

The Significance

Since the goal of this study was to identify the perceptions of teachers on the internal and

external factors that influence online learning and student academic achievement, this research is

19
beneficial to not only students, but also parents, administrators, and any stakeholders involved in

the virtual learning world. The population of virtual learners encompasses a broader audience

than before, increasing the population from homogenous to heterogeneous qualities (Githens et

al., 2012). The literature illustrated the external factors and internal characteristics displayed by

students that might influence learner achievement in virtual classes. The information collected

might help investigate if achievement gaps occur in the virtual environment. This study can

further research on online learning and student achievement. The study can also lend to the

construction of future virtual classes to reach a multitude of learners taking such classes as well

as educate stakeholders on the pros and cons of virtual learning.

The area of focus is essential in the future of online learning and its long-term impact on

student success (Cheung & Slavin, 2013). Further research could help in the creation of online

courses to meet all student needs (Friedman & Weiser, 2004) and increase the academic success

of student learners (Bobeva et al., 2015). The virtual educational sphere adheres to its own set of

practices that may bolster or create barriers for student learners (Ye, 2004). Online learners must

not only become familiar with course content but navigation of course materials for success

(Shapley et al., 2011). Research helps to outline online learner requirements to prepare students

for such courses, thus allowing stakeholders to develop a deep understanding of online

participation (Abrami et al., 2004).

The Problem Statement

The problem was that students had higher failure rates in online courses (Jaggars & Xu,

2013). As Layton (2015) described, full-time online students were scoring lower in courses than

those in traditional brick in mortar classes. Kerr (2015) found that there were high numbers of

20
students who failed online courses. Therefore, Kerr tried to identify factors that lead to low

performance in online coursework (Kerr, 2015).

Many schools support online education due to the assumption that it is equal to traditional

schooling. More research is needed to determine the barriers that students face while learning

online. Some researchers have uncovered the internal factors that influenced students’

completion of their online coursework (Beck & Milligan, 2014). Of note from the study was the

essential role that student interaction played with course achievement (Beck & Milligan, 2014).

The concept of defining internal factors that impact online learners, such as age, played a role

where data showed a negative influence on age and student achievement within the online course

(Ke & Kwak, 2013a). Age was but one of the identified internal factors.

Clarida, Bobeva, Hutchings, and Taylor (2015) researched the impact online course

creation had on students due to trends to maintain the status quo on content. In their study,

Muilenburg and Berge (2005) emphasized the importance of understanding how virtual learning

and online learners interacted with course material in order to identify barriers or factors that

determined success. Online education requires constant individual interaction with coursework.

Coursework and set-up of online classes focus on a one-dimensional design (Friedman &

Weiser, 2004).

This one-dimensional approach has wide-reaching impacts. Personalization of

coursework does not occur to meet student needs. Educational equality can increase (Githens et

al., 2012) with research conducted on potential learning gaps in online courses. Identification of

factors that influence learners will close the achievement gap present in virtual learning (Bobeva

et al., 2015). Course design can, therefore, focus on personalizing course content to meet the

growing population of online learners.

21
The Organization

The chapter begins with an introduction to contemporary research conducted on the

virtual learning realm. The Conceptual Framework follows this introduction. Examination of

distance learning through specific research studies helped shed light on the current conversation

on virtual education. This chapter concludes with an assessment of research and a summary of

findings. The contemporary literature (see Appendix A) on virtual education highlighted the

importance of learner interaction or student-centered learning within online courses (Ismail &

Siti, 2012).

Case studies reflect a consensus amongst online learners that interaction in online classes

with instructors occurred more frequently than in the brick and mortar setting (Friedman &

Weiser, 2004). However, surveys conducted also suggested a lack of academic challenges for

learners (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). The literature review examined these student-driven

research models and highlighted factors and characteristics that impacted student interaction

within their online courses. Chapter 2 examined research on virtual education and its influence

on the learner. Emphasized was the relationship between online learning and students’ academic

success in virtual classes.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework for this study is based on different learning theories found in

education, including learning theory in distance education, behaviorist philosophy of learning,

information processing theory, and social cognitive theory. With each theory, common themes

emerged, including the concept of distance learning and the conversation surrounding virtual

education. One of the significant underlying emphases was the need for student-centered

learning within the virtual world (Ismail & Siti, 2012). Unlike the teacher-driven model, student-

22
centered learning focuses on the personalized needs of each learner, which could be aided by

online learning. After reviewing the literature, the identification of other specific themes

occurred. These themes were distance education, digital literacy, digital inclusion/exclusion, and

educational equality (Boyer et al., 2008).

Learning Theory in Distance Education

Learning theory is a theory which explains the different ways individuals learn (Yu,

2016). Learning theory closely relates to behaviorism. Within education, researchers are using

learning theory to understand how individuals learn in the virtual environment. Previous

literature identified how students are enrolling in virtual courses at a faster rate than university

courses (Conway et al., 2015). Data showed how online education is the new trend in education

(Githens et al., 2012). Thus, understanding how students learn virtually is of importance.

Virtual education is the newest tool in education to help students succeed beyond the

classroom (Kim, 2015). The change in technology is creating a work environment that demands

its workers to meet specific skills to be successful within their chosen careers. Distance learning

may play a more significant role in preparing students to enter the workforce (Gatchair, 2013).

As we focus on the need for virtual learning, we must also grasp the reality of creating not only

educational equality but equality in the workforce through distance learning (Loftus, 2013).

Distance learning must be of the central focus on learner requirements beyond their academic

careers. Researchers are using learning theory in distance education. Learning theory is found

not only in education but also in psychology, neuroscience, and sociology. By using learning

theory, studies are evaluating the virtual impact coursework has had on student learners.

Enrollments in such courses are increasing at a more rapid rate than traditional brick and

mortar courses. Data showed that 50% of students enrolled in online classes to supplement

23
traditional coursework (Conway et al., 2015). Data highlighted the lack of minority enrollment in

such courses and correlation to career readiness (Conway et al., 2015). Minority groups include

race and gender (Bazarova, Mcleod, & Walther, 2011). The connection between online education

and career preparedness is also of concern as underrepresentation of these same minority groups

occur in technology-related careers (Boyer et al., 2006). As more and more colleges are relying

on online coursework as a core part of degree requirements, students who do not participate in

these courses may fall behind and be unsuccessful in career areas that require a solid

understanding of technology (Gatchair, 2013).

Behaviorist Philosophy of Learning Regarding Digital Exclusion/Inclusion

The behaviorist philosophy of learning, termed by John Watson, or the idea of

behaviorism (Artino & Jones, 2012), focuses on the result of human learning based on a set of

behaviors prodded by a rewards system. Over time, other behaviorists highlighted the use of the

theory to determine individual behaviors resulting from the social learning of conditioning

(Artino & Jones, 2012). With regards to online learning, the behaviorist philosophy of learning

stresses the importance of learned behaviors of students from instructors conditioning.

Using the behaviorist philosophy of learning, stakeholders can ensure digital inclusion

within the virtual sphere. Digital exclusion/inclusion is just as much a focus in the virtual sphere

as it is in the brick and mortar sphere. The population of online learning has grown passed a

homogenous audience (Bobeva et al., 2015). With this, research must now shift to focus on the

various characteristics of students within online courses (Wang, 2017). Just as in the brick and

mortar schools, online education must meet the needs of various learners ranging from different

backgrounds (Horowitz, Oltmann, & Shachaf, 2008).

24
 Immediate data suggested that digital inclusion had no set determining factors (Bobeva et

al., 2015). That means that students’ success in online courses did not occur due to apparent

characteristics of set factors (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). Therefore, the success of the student

was not directly correlated based on their demographics (Bobeva et al., 2015). Through different

observations, researchers determined that though student characteristics were not the defining

source of success in the online environment, prior knowledge and understanding of technology

did provide a benefit (Wang, 2017). This research showed that students were not merely born

with the knowledge to perform within an online course (Balaban, Kermek, & Zlatović, 2015).

With digital exclusion/inclusion in mind, researchers had looked to the behaviorist

philosophy of learning to answer the issues occurring within distance education. With this

philosophy, there is an emphasis on teaching to increase desired behaviors that will lead to an

increase in academic achievement. In recent studies, findings suggested that student

characteristics of factors did not determine digital exclusion. That means that student features

such as gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and education could not determine digital

literacy and online success. What different research implied is that extrinsic elements such as

course content and developmental issues impact digital literacy and, therefore, student

achievement (Mcbride & Napiertibere, 2004).

Data must focus on different influences on the student to accomplish digital

inclusions/exclusion (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). Research must take a thorough look at the

creation of online courses and the education institutions behind the creations of these courses

(Hew & Tan, 2017). Research would also include teaching to increase desired behaviors. In this

way, research can determine what aspects of online classes help and hinder student success.

These courses can be tailor to meet the many needs of online learners (Ye, 2014).

25
Information Processing Theory Using Digital Literacy

Information processing theory is a theory that focuses on student’s individual ability to

process new information leading to attain new knowledge (Yu, 2016). The theory itself was born

out of psychology with a focus on individual cognitive development. The theory centers on how

individuals process information and how the information is analyzed to create new understanding

(Yu, 2016). Over time, the theory explained children’s mental maturation and cognitive growth.

This theory relates to the increase in student use of technology. With this technology,

educational institutions are looking to use distance learning to evolve old practices (Kim, 2015).

With more students taking online courses, the question of digital literacy comes to the forefront.

Many educators are trying to determine what prior knowledge students need to be successful in

virtual classes (Hew & Tan, 2017). Digital literacy is part of the larger piece of the puzzle in the

success of students academically. One theory to provide the needed digital literacy for students

in online courses is to further the research of best practices (Shapley et al., 2011). Identification

of best practices can lead to implementation within courses for students to master before

participating in online courses (Wang, 2017). Students can only start to succeed in the virtual

world if provided with the tools needed to succeed. These tools relate to the information

processing theory. This theory states that students process information differently and retain

content in various ways. Best practices are needed to meet these different needs of students.

The research suggested that digital literacy is essential to student success in online

courses (Bobeva et al., 2015). Digital literacy would mean that students’ success rate in online

courses would increase through awareness of other extrinsic factors (Berge & Muilenburg,

2005). Considerations would include the concept of digital literacy and preparing the student to

navigate their online coursework. Digital literacy is part of the equation when it comes to student

26
preparedness in their online courses (Bobeva et al., 2015). Students need to have a thorough

understanding of their online tools to navigate and participate in the coursework. Prior

knowledge and understanding of technology benefit students within the virtual world (Wang,

2017). Schools must begin to realize that student characteristics cannot solely determine success,

but digital literacy plays a role as well (Balaban et al., 2015). Digital literacy should become a

focal point of online educational research as the increase of students taking online courses

becomes the norm (Nam, 2016).

With the concept of digital literacy, student characteristics cannot determine how

prepared a student will be. Digital literacy must be part of the virtual experience to help students

enter the world of online education. In terms of education, this means that no matter the student’s

gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and education, digital training must be offered to

allow educational equity. Developmentally, digital literacy must be tied within instructional

practices to coincide with developmental approaches for students (Mcbride & Napiertibere,

2004). With the current move towards schools, including higher educational institutions, for

students to partake in online courses, the population of students taking such classes has

increased. With this push for online education, student characteristics must not be the only focus

of education practices to prepare students for online courses (Yu, 2016). The information must

target all types of students (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005) and influence the creation of online

courses (Hew & Tan, 2017).

Social Cognitive Theory and Educational Equality

Social cognitive theory is a theory that emphasizes that learning occurs due to the

interaction of humans in their environment (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Thus, one can observe

the process of learning and personal knowledge. Observation of students and their social

27
interaction can highlight the individual’s primary learning. Using this theory, stakeholders can

help create educational equality based on different environments.

Educational equality has been at the center of the educational world, starting with the

brick and mortar. Educational equality is an attempt to provide students with the same

educational opportunities and tools as their counterparts (Ke & Kwak, 2013a). Educational

equality is the idea to provide access to all types of students (Hew & Tan, 2017). Regarding

distance learning, educational equality would mean students would have access to equipment and

support for their online education (Hew & Tan, 2017). As the trend in virtual learning increases,

the need to provide educational equality for these online students is essential. Digital equality,

combined with the other topics of focus (distance learning, digital inclusion/exclusion, and

digital literacy), will allow researchers to begin to understand the long-term impact online

courses have on student learning and success (Shapley et al., 2011).

The social cognitive theory promotes technology as a solution. The theory focuses on the

concept that learning is stimulated through social environments. These social environments are

now expanding due to the increase in technology. The evolution of research and the push to

study the effectiveness of online programs to promote educational equality relates to increasing

student academic success (Wang, 2017) and improve educational quality (Balaban et al., 2015).

Student academic success was at the center of all this research and related directly to the need for

educational equality (Arendtsz, Bempechat, Holloway, Li, & Park, 2011). Examination of best

practices (Nam, 2016) regarding technology leads to a higher chance for educational equality in

the online sphere (Shapley et al., 2011). Due to this large population, research has shifted to

identify different student characteristics to meet their needs (Wang, 2017). It is a central

28
foundation that online education must reach all learners and their learning to help with student

success (Horowitz et al., 2008).

In summary, the conceptual framework focused on student-centered frameworks and best

practices. The theories that drive virtual education included distance learning, digital

exclusion/inclusion, digital literacy, and educational equality. These frameworks impacted

student success within the virtual environment (Cook-Wallace, 2012). The Conceptual

Framework outlined the ideas surrounding distance learning and the conversation surrounding

virtual education (Ismail & Siti, 2012). Research across the board displayed the importance of

student interaction with their online courses (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). The frameworks

highlighted the concepts of student-driven research models (Boyer et al., 2008).

Review of Research Literature and Methodological Literature

Led by the research questions, this literature review helps to determine if certain internal

and external factors impact students and their overall achievement in the virtual world. The

contemporary literature on virtual education revolved around the concept of student-centered

learning within their online courses (Ismail & Siti, 2012). There was a consensus amongst

researchers that student interaction with their online coursework was essential to student’s

success (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). However, research also suggested that students are not

solely responsible for their success or failure within online courses (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Studies on Virtual/Online Learning

Research on virtual education has increased in the last decade (Field & Gartland, 2004).

The population of online learners has also increased as the technology is now obtainable to a

broader group of individuals (Boyer et al., 2006). Due to this, the impact of online education is

29
of interest than ever before (Cheung & Slavin, 2013). Below are different studies conducted on

virtual/online learning.

Ke and Kwak (2013b) focused on characteristics that students possess that tend to lead to

achievement in the virtual world. Using mixed-method research, they highlighted the importance

of ethnicity and how it impacted the perception of their virtual learning experience. The study

also looked at the impact age, and education had on student interaction with the virtual class. Ke

and Kwak (2013b) noted that age nor educational background had any apparent impact on

overall student success. The research did not conclude any evident connections between the

characteristics of students and achievement in the online course but did suggest that ethnicity

may impact how students perceive their online learning experience.

Ke and Kwak (2013b) had the central question of whether age and ethnicity impacted the

virtual learning of the student. The study reflects other current research conducted on student

characteristics and if such features can determine success in the virtual environment. Their study,

like many others, was essential to identify such characteristics to implement best practices to

prepare future online students for success in their virtual courses.

Another study by Ke and Kwak (2013a) focused on learner satisfaction in online courses.

They wanted to determine if student perception influenced their overall success and if such

attitudes were in place if alteration could occur to increase learner success in the virtual

environment. Their study ties in with the educational theory of student-centered learning and

presents a need to further research such methods to help students succeed. The research

conducted helped highlight major concepts that influence the online learners’ experience.

The literature reflects that students are enrolling in online classes more frequently than

before (Conway et al., 2015). Data showed how online learning is a new trend in education

30
(Githens et al., 2012). Due to this trend, distance learning’s impact on student success in

education is a serious concern (Ke & Kwak, 2013b). Schools are using the online class to bolster

the traditional coursework of students (Kim, 2015).

Due to the improvement of technology and its impact on not only the educational sphere

but the workforce, technology has become a part of career readiness. Virtual education may be

the deciding factor for students to be career-ready (Gatchair, 2013). Companies may require

students to have the skills used in virtual courses to qualify for positions (Gatchair, 2013). With

the changes occurring in education, research must center on the new field of online learning and

determine how to meet the needs of all online learners who vary in demographics (Loftus, 2013).

Distance learning must be of the central focus on learner requirements beyond their academic

careers. Research showed that in higher education alone, 50% of students enrolled in some form

of online coursework (Conway et al., 2015).

What we can determine from this data are the continuing trend of online education for

students in not only the primary and secondary school but in higher. If students who are college-

bound are not exposed to technology-based courses at an early age, academic success in such a

course may be significantly impacted. Analyzation of data reflect the ultimate reality that virtual

learning may impact student career readiness (Conway et al., 2015) as students who struggle

with online classes may fall behind specific careers (Gatchair, 2013).

Distance (Online/Virtual) Learning Impact on Student Learning

Distance learning is one of the revolving trends in updating the sphere of education

(Cheung & Slavin, 2011). The increase in virtual education has raised concerns as to the overall

effectiveness. Several studies focused on the impact technology has had on student learning.

Significant conclusions included the need for schools to implement evaluation systems to help

31
see how useful technology was for student comprehension. Through evaluation systems, schools

can determine if online courses are positively impacting students. Researchers Cheung and

Slavin (2011) noted the importance of further research of methods that can be put into place to

analyze the technology in the online environment.

More research focused on the ever-evolving world of online education and how these

changes have impacted students. Through research, there was a consensus that research should

focus on online course materials that are successful for student retention. Friedman and Weiser

(2014) studied the rise of the online classroom. They again focused on the learners’ interaction in

the online educational world (Friedman & Weiser, 2014). They looked to not only understand the

impact of technologies on students but which technologies were most useful for educating

students (Friedman & Weiser, 2014). They highlighted that social media within education may

be a tool for student success as students are familiar with the technology (Friedman & Weiser,

2004). This study was part of a handful of other studies that called on educational institutions to

invest in further research to determine technologies that promote educational success.

Distance learning also raises the question of education equity and exclusion. Because

educational equity and exclusion is a current issue in the traditional education setting, it holds

sway within the virtual environment as well. Tan and Hew (2017) tackled this concept in their

study about IT home access for students. Through their research, they concluded that student

access to home IT resources had positive impacts (Hew & Tan, 2017). If students have access to

IT at home, this will lead to educational equity in the virtual sphere (Hew & Tan, 2017). With

studies such as these, researchers were attempting to identify ways to provide equity for students,

even in online classes.

32
 Researchers have further studied the impact of distance learning and digital

inclusion/exclusion. Clarida, Bobeva, Hutchings, and Taylor (2015) focused their study with

concepts on digital inclusion and exclusion. They noted that student characteristics do not

determine digital exclusion. Digital exclusion occurred due to extrinsic factors (Bobeva et al.,

2015). Through their study, they questioned the idea that student achievement was only due to

student characteristics but impacted by other determining causes (Bobeva et al., 2015). Their

research brought to light the need for more research to eliminate barriers that might impede

student success in their online classes. Just like in the traditional setting, students hold

characteristics that may determine how successful they are. Also, like the traditional setting,

students are faced with a variety of barriers known to limit their accomplishment with classes,

especially in the virtual environment with little conducted research.

Much of the research conducted previously studied the influence that online schooling

had on student success. The demand for virtual education is mainly due to the accessibility and

convenience of this type of education for its learners (Phillips, 2005). The research highlighted

the impact of virtual learning on students as well as questioned its overall effectiveness (Cheung

& Slavin, 2013). The future of virtual learning will be determined by the research conducted.

Through research, best practices are determined (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Best practices can

enhance the interaction of learners within online courses that promotes the needs of all types of

learners (Bobeva et al., 2015).

Researchers evaluating distance learning currently agreed on determining long-term

effects on student success. Data are being analyzed by educators, administrators, and

stakeholders to determine how to implement best practices. Best practices are exhibited and

added to the current movement for online education (Bobeva et al., 2015). Research must also

33
focus on practices that will lead to student success (Ye, 2004). Online learning can impact

student learning by the differing policies present in the virtual sphere and thus could lead to

failure (Shapley et al., 2011). Creating clear outlines of online requirements could help with

future registrations within virtual courses (Abrami et al., 2004).

Characteristics That Impact Student Achievement

Yu (2016) helped further the conversation on distance learning. Yu used data from

learning management systems (LMS) and determined the critical features of students (Yu, 2016).

Yu noted that student interaction with their online course usually predicted future success in the

class (Yu, 2016). Yu argued that self-regulation was essential in the ultimate success of the

student (Yu, 2016). Yu was joined by other researchers, who also claimed that student’s

behaviors were critical to their success in their online courses (Yu, 2016).

Cigdem and Yildririm (2014) added to the concept of learner online behaviors. They

noted that even though virtual education has gained popularity, data have not shown the success

of such methods in educating students (Cigdem & Yildririm 2014). Unlike Yu (2016), however,

Cigdem and Yildririm (2014) realized that student behaviors may not always be inherited but

learned. Through their study, they noted the importance of digital literacy.

Along with their research, others joined in with the conversation about factors that predict

virtual achievement. Muilenburg and Berge (2005) attempted to detect such characteristics.

Muilenburg and Berge (2005) took another point of view by focusing on the obstacles leading to

the ultimate failure of learners in online courses. Through their research, they determined that

there were eight significant barriers (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). They outline obstacles faced

by students to share information with educators and implement new methods to meet the needs

34
of online learners (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). The rise of online education sets the stage to

increase the research on the effectiveness of such educational methods.

Also apparent is the growth of technology-based careers. Gatchair (2013) spoke on race

and ethnicity regarding technology-based careers. In the study, Gatchair (2013) focused on the

correlation between education and career success. The research showed the need to understand

how education can impact students beyond their academic careers. Educational differences can

perhaps link to the output of students for the workforce and, therefore, should be studied further.

The research correlated with the study by Wladis, Hachey, and Conway (2015). Their

focus was on the influence of virtual education within the college sector (Conway et al., 2015).

They identified certain minority groups, including ethnic, gender, and other nontraditional

students. Their research detected that minority learners enrolled in online classes in less

frequency, which could have dire consequences in their career pathway (Conway et al., 2015).

Their study could help in determining methods for best practices to help these minority groups

succeed in the virtual environment.

Review of Methodological Issues

While all research will have its limitations, and there is no “perfect” research method, the

review of the current literature on distance learning provided an outline for research methods

currently used. In general, most researchers adopted either quantitative or qualitative methods.

Quantitative research deals with numeric based data, while qualitative research uses exploratory

data.

Quantitative Research and Distance Learning

Studies conducted on the impact virtual education has had on learner comprehension is

trending towards understanding the long-term effects of online coursework (Field & Gartland,

35
2004). To determine this, researchers used quantitative methods such as the analysis of data

(Atchison, Carabajal, & Marshall, 2017). Quantitative methods analyze numerical data to

determine information. A relatively common and useful data source used was the Learning

Management Systems or LMS (Wang, 2017). The LMS can provide researchers with a wide

variety of student data ranging from ethnicity, age, gender, and online behaviors of learners

within their virtual courses (Githens et al., 2012).

The use of the LMS provides researchers with data that can help show if there are

apparent trends that may influence students’ success in online academics (Bobeva et al., 2015).

LMS provides more bio facts of students; researchers have since sought to analyze the behaviors

of students within the virtual sphere (Wang, 2017). These trends may show patterns and assist

researchers in determining student behaviors that can predict success in online classes (Yu,

2016). The LMS can be used in future research and provide the information to not only detect

patterns of student behavior but help implement best practices to help students succeed (Balaban

et al., 2015) and help educators form future courses (Alonso et al., 2012).

Assessment tests were analyzed to help determine online education’s impact on students

learning (Balaban et al., 2015). The assessment data first identified which types of courses

students were comprehending, as well as highlighted the construction of courses that reached a

multitude of learners, including the social aspects of students (Hew & Tan, 2017). Analyzation

of records lends to the implementation of best practices and future construction of virtual

instruction.

Qualitative Research and Distance Learning

Researchers also used qualitative methods to evaluate the virtual impact instruction has

had on learner comprehension. Unlike quantitative methods, qualitative methods do not use

36
numerical data. Qualitative research is exploratory and collects data based on perceptions and

observations. Qualitative methods include any form of research that seeks to explore the

phenomenon. Such methods include surveys, interviews, and case studies (Field & Gartland,

2004). Through these different approaches, information about student learning and online

courses were collected and helped shed light on the influence of the virtual educational

environment (Ke & Kwak, 2013a).

Surveys were at the forefront of the research conducted on virtual learning. One such

study that used surveys analyzed the learner’s opinions with their virtual course (Berge &

Muilenburg, 2005). The surveys collected provided the researchers with valuable information on

student perception of their online classes (Dupeyrat, Escribe, Huet & Sakdavong, 2011). Surveys

showed the interaction of learner characteristics in virtual courses (Gyamfi & Sukseemuang,

2018). Such features include gender, age, ethnicity, and so on. Testing on differences between

online learners such as male versus female occurred (Alonso et al., 2012) to determine if any

noticeable differences were apparent. There was also an examination of ethnicity in such surveys

that looked at English Language Learners (Gyamfi & Sukseemuang, 2018). The surveys

highlighted any noticeable characteristics of students that might lead to learner comprehension in

virtual classes. Along with surveys, researchers also used case studies to identify student features

(Ke & Kwak, 2013a).

Synthesis of Research Findings

Conversations about virtual instruction showed many differing ideas and observations on

factors that influence student success. Yu (2016) noted that the success of students within virtual

classes was, in part, due to distinct learner features. Yu (2016) concluded that individual learner

conduct indicated student success in an online course. Cigdem and Yildririm (2014) added to the

37
conversation with Yu (2016). They agreed that student behaviors could influence overall success

in the online environment (Cigdem & Yildririm, 2014). However, they also noted that the need

for implementation of digital literacy in impacting student achievement in online courses

(Cigdem & Yildririm, 2014). They believed that a large part of the success was due to the level

of digital literacy (Cigdem & Yildririm, 2014).

Some researchers focused on different aspects of the virtual world. Muilenburg and

Berge (2005) sought to help increase student success by identifying barriers that might exist in

online education. By determining the main obstacles encountered by learners in virtual programs,

Berge and Muilenburg (2005) moved away from the importance of student characteristics and

instead on the creation of the course and course materials. Research agreed there was a need to

continue research on the long-term impacts that distance learning has had on student academic

achievement (Balaban et al., 2015). Data collected is not only used by educators but by

administrators and other stakeholders to determine how alteration of online coursework can meet

the needs of the ever-growing population of virtual learners (Bobeva et al., 2015).

The unique environment of distance education leads many researchers to determine the

impact online learning has had on student success across the board. The differences that occur in

online education from the traditional brick and mortar school could be the difference between

student success and failure (Shapley et al., 2011). Investigating the online educational sphere can

help schools and students make practical decisions when registering for online coursework

(Abrami et al., 2004). Awareness of the virtual educational coursework can help streamline best

practices to allow student achievement. Long-term evaluation of virtual learning in various

subjects can promote the formation of future online courses (Yu, 2016).

38
 Critique of Previous Research

With the upward trend of online learning, researchers have directed focus on the impact

such courses have on student success (Field & Gartland, 2004). Researchers used quantitative

and qualitative research methods in these different studies. Quantitative research analyzed the

assortment of information and the examination of said data (Atchison et al., 2017). Through data,

researchers sought to determine the characteristics and factors that might impact the success of

learners within virtual courses (Wang, 2017). The use of Learning Management Systems or LMS

(Yu, 2016) helped researchers understand the online environment (Hew & Tan, 2017). As online

classes increase and grow, data taken from assessments will be more helpful in determining

achievement gaps. With these studies, the focus shifted to the importance of learner

comprehension on their success in online courses (Field & Gartland, 2004). The LMS systems

provided researchers with student data ranging from ethnicity, age, gender, and online behaviors

of learners with their virtual courses (Githens et al., 2012). The LMS helped track trends within

the virtual sphere (Bobeva et al., 2015).

Along with the use of LMS data, assessment data taken from school district testing were

collected and analyzed for patterns (Balaban et al., 2015). The assessment data identified the

social demographics aspects of students concerning online academic achievement (Hew & Tan,

2017). Analyzation of records lends to the implementation of best practices and future

construction of virtual instruction.

There has also been conduction of qualitative research to understand the online

environment (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). Surveys identified characteristics of online learners

such as age, gender (Alonso et al., 2012) and ethnicity (Gyamfi & Sukseemuang, 2018). Along

with surveys, researchers conducted case studies to understand student interaction in the online

39
environment further (Ke & Kwak, 2013a). Surveys were at the forefront of the research

conducted on virtual learning (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). Surveys were useful in providing

insight into the perception of students taking online courses (Dupeyrat et al., 2011). Surveys also

allowed patterns to emerge, showing the interaction of learner characteristics in virtual courses

(Gyamfi & Sukseemuang, 2018).

Summary

Virtual education and learner achievement within such courses have moved towards the

forefront in educational research (Shapley et al., 2011). The chapter first identified and analyzed

the contemporary literature conducted on distance learning. Through this evaluation, the impact

virtual learning has had on students was discussed (Artino & Jones, 2012). The literature review

attempted to categorize the different literature that presented research on the virtual educational

world. After sifting through the literature, various theories were presented and studied. The need

to understand the impact on student learning increases as the population of online learners grows

at a rapid rate (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). The concept of student-centered learning within the

virtual sphere was such a theory presented in the literature.

The presented literature represented the research on virtual learning and how students

interacted with online classes. Through studies, researchers determined that specific student

characteristics might designate learner achievement within virtual classes (Cook-Wallace, 2012).

Further investigators concentrated on obstacles impeding learner’s performance. Through the

literature review, the complicated relationship between student and online courses was better

understood and determined. The literature highlighted the fact that there have been no identified

external nor internal factors as the core source of success or failure for online students.

40
 The increase in technology has led to an ever-larger population of online learners

(Friedman & Weiser, 2004). The new technology and the rise of virtual education been has

become of concern for educators (Conway et al., 2015). As educational institutions are pushing

for the continued implementation of technology alongside traditional coursework (Coy, 2014),

research on online education must occur to determine the long-term impact (Cheung & Slavin,

2013). The online learning environment is ever-evolving, and data are collected continually

(Artino & Jones, 2012). Teacher’s perception and understanding of student interaction with

regards to online courses will help in the implementation of best practices.

The relatively new field of virtual education reflects the lack of long-term data to

determine impact. Previous research has shed light on internal and external factors that can be

beneficial to further studies. As the trend of online education continues, and school districts

across the nation adopt some form of online learning for students, how students interact with

online content should be of prime focus. It becomes apparent that student interaction within their

online course correlates to their overall understanding. This does not mean that students are the

sole reason for their online success of failure. Research presented in the literature review alluded

to the fact that many factors could impact student academic achievement in virtual courses. The

first step in reaching all online learners is through a thorough understanding of such factors.

Chapter 3 provides an overview of the procedures of the research study in the pursuit of further

understanding the impact of virtual education.

41
 Chapter 3: Methodology

In the last decade, the impact of virtual schooling on students’ academic success has been

a focus of interest. The increase in technology and its interaction with student learners has

brought significant attention to the impact such technology has on student success. With the push

of virtual education, research has focused on the long-term implications of such schooling on

students. A study by Layton (2015) emphasized that compared to traditional student scores, full-

time virtual students scored lower in coursework.

Introduction to Chapter 3

Chapter 3 outlines and explains the qualitative analysis study, including justifying the

research, discussing the chosen design choice, as well as specifying the collection of data. The

research evaluated teacher’s perceptions of the impact of internal and external factors of virtual

education on student success. The study focused on how teachers perceived the factors that

influence online learners. Internal factors included things such as gender, age, and ethnicity.

External factors included things like teacher support and course navigation. Genuinely

understanding the factors that impede or bolster online learning was of primary concern for this

study. The research can help determine best practices within virtual classes that will have

positive impacts on student academic achievement. Investigating virtual education can help

schools and students make proper decisions when registering for online coursework.

Information from the study furthers research on virtual education and may help

stakeholders construct future online courses. As the demand for online education increases,

providing accessibility to a wide variety of learners will be of great importance (Phillips, 2005).

The research conducted here helps understand the long-term implications of virtual learning for

the different student populations (Friedman & Weiser, 2004) and implement best practices

42
(Bobeva et al., 2015). Contemporary conversation dictated no significant differences existed

between virtual and traditional schooling. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of specific

research to determine this. Xu and Jaggars (2013) questioned the statement of equality between

online courses and traditional schooling in their study. Their data showed a significant negative

impact on students’ course grades (Jaggars & Xu, 2013). Xu and Jaggars (2013) compared data

they collected from students in their traditional courses to their online courses (Jaggars & Xu,

2013). With studies like this one, it becomes crucial to understand why this negative decrease in

grade occurs.

Research Questions

One central research question and four research subquestions drove the study. The central

question and subquestions directed the interview questions for conducting the study. The

questions highlighted the research quest to discover teacher’s perceptions of the factors

impacting students’ online schooling and their academic achievement. The central question and

subquestions were as follows.

Central Research Question

RQ. What factors do teachers perceive as a significant impact on online students’

success?

Research Subquestions

SQ1. What external factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic

performance in online courses?

SQ2. What internal factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic

performance in online courses?

43
 SQ3. How do teachers perceive the relationship between student characteristics and other

factors such as technology literacy, course design, instructor interaction, and so forth, on

students’ success?

SQ4. What suggestions do teachers have for improving students’ academic performance

in online courses?

Purpose and Design of the Study

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external

factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. The research suggested

the need to explore the significant role that virtual education has had on students. Through the

study, the focus was to determine teachers’ perceptions of if internal and external factors such as

gender, age, socioeconomic status, and so forth, played a role in online educational success.

Through a qualitative case study approach, the study helped shed light on teacher’s perceptions

of factors impacting student achievement in the virtual world.

Specifically, through a qualitative case study design, the study attempted to highlight

ways in which to increase students’ performance in online courses. The research used a

qualitative research approach compared to a quantitative research approach due to its correlation

with the purpose of the study. Qualitative research is an exploratory approach to research. It

seeks to understand, based on perceptions, opinions, and reasoning. The qualitative research

approach helps gain insight into the problem. Through the approach, the researcher can find

common trends that occur. The quantitative approach was not appropriate because this approach

looks to quantify a problem through the collection of statistics. The quantitative research

approach uses measurable data to generalize results for the broader population. Regarding

teacher perceptions on the internal and external factors that impact online learners, the

44
quantitative research approach would not be able to measure such information; thus, qualitative

research was necessary.

There are plenty of qualitative research methods, including action research, case study,

ethnography research, narrative research, and phenomenology research. The selected research

design was that of a case study. The selection of the case study design was due to the purpose of

the study. Addressed is a brief overview of the other qualitative methods. In an action research

approach, the researcher is looking to diagnose a problem or weakness and help develop a

solution to address it. For this study, the researcher was not looking to access a problem or

provide a solution. Another research approach is ethnography, which focuses on understanding

cultural beliefs, behaviors, and so forth. The researcher of this study was not interested in the

singular culture of the targeted population. Narrative and phenomenology research approaches

are similar in the fact that they seek to study and understand the experience of individuals.

Again, for this study, the purpose of the research did not seek to understand individual

experiences rather focused on individual perceptions. Overall, the case study design was selected

as it best related to the needs of the research.

Case studies explore a phenomenon in real-world situations. Within the case study

design, there a several types to choose from. They include explanatory, exploratory, descriptive,

multiple-case, intrinsic, instrumental, and collective. Explanatory seeks to answer a central

question while exploratory looks to explore situations and descriptive focuses on describing. The

multiple-case study compares different cases, much like collective case studies. An intrinsic case

study is used for understanding, while instrumental provides insight. Within this case study, the

researcher used the exploratory case study design as the research was looking to explore internal

and external factors that impact students in their online courses based on teacher perceptions

45
(Yin, 2017). The selected design allowed associations between variables and illuminated them to

describe a larger population. Through an interview and focus group discussion, answers showed

information on the population. The information was especially useful for the study as it helped to

show different perceptions of factors that impact student academic achievement in the online

course. The research illustrated the teacher’s perceptions of the factors that influence learners’

achievement in virtual classes.

The information collected may help to show if achievement gaps occur in the virtual

environment and to identify such characteristics. Through this, best practices may be put into

place to close the achievement gaps present in virtual courses. Data collection was taken directly

from the responses from the teacher interview and focus group discussion. The interview

questions obtained information ranging from the teacher perspective of their online courses,

student behaviors within their online courses, necessary demographic information, online

satisfaction, and so forth.

Conduction of the interview and focus group discussion occurred to the population of an

online school in which teachers served both full-time and part-time students with online courses.

The teachers served students who range in age from 6th grade to 12th grade across the school

district. Through the conduction of teacher interviews and a focus group discussion, the

researcher inferred factors that may impact student academic success in their online coursework.

Research Population and Sampling Method

Choosing the participants was an essential step in the research as the chosen population

needed to reflect the research questions. The population chosen was based on a thorough

understanding of teacher relationships within their population that carry various characteristics.

The sampling method used refers to the interview used to conduct teacher interviews and the

46
focus group discussion. The following section depicts the target population and sampling method

for the study. The population and sampling method were essential in conducting research that

correlated with the research questions presented (Creswell, 2017). The chosen population and

selection of participants was on the basis that they reflected the purpose of the study (McMillan,

2012).

Research Population

The population in which the study revolved around was a virtual school, referred to in

this study as Coral County Virtual School (CCVS), which employed approximately 100 teachers

who served from the population of roughly 215,000 students. The school was accredited and

registered with the Department of Education as part of the Coral County Public School District.

The online school employed full-time teachers and accepted full-time students from K–12 as well

as part-time students ranging from 6th–12th grade. Teachers were required to have attained a

bachelor’s degree in the subject area taught as well as a Professional Teacher Certificate issued

from the Department of Education. Full-time students can attain their high school diplomas

through the credits earned. CCVS offered a standard high school diploma that meets state and

school board requirements. Due to the large enrollment of the school, CCVS reflected a diverse

teacher and student population. The school met the requirements of high-quality education

through the hiring of instructors who met the Department of Education certification

requirements.

Coral County Virtual School (pseudonym) was part of the Coral County Public School

District (pseudonym; CCPS). Therefore, the research encompassed full-time employed teachers

within its population. CCPS was one of the 10 largest school districts in the southeastern region

of the United States. The school district was made up of almost 200 schools with more than

47
200,000 students. The demographics of the CCPS student body were as follows: roughly 40%

Hispanic, 25% White, 25% Black, 5% Asian and, 5% Multi-Cultural. This diverse student

population helped show if specific student demographic characteristics impact the success within

online courses.

Sampling Method

To acquire the participants, the researcher sought and obtained permission from the

school administrator at CCVS to conduct teacher interviews within the school. The researcher

attained both verbal and written consent from the school administration, making sure to outline

the study’s purpose clearly. After receiving approval from the Concordia University–Portland

Institutional Review Board (IRB), the researcher sent an invitation email letter to potential

participants (see Appendix B). The letter outlined the purpose of the study as well as the criteria

needed for participants. The email was sent to all CCVS teachers employed at the school.

Criteria for teacher participation included current employment status at CCVS, 3 years of online

teaching experience at the school, and 3 years of overall teaching experience online or in the

traditional brick and mortar sphere. The letter included correspondence describing the study and

invitation to teachers. Informed consent was sent to the participants if they responded (see

Appendix C).

The researcher used voluntary participation and convenience sampling to get participants

from the teachers at CCVS. Convenience sampling is a nonprobability sampling that the

researcher used because it was a convenience to solicit teachers from the nearby school and

invite them to participate in the study. Of the 90 teachers within CCVS, 20 interviews were

needed to allow for data saturation. Data saturation means no new discoverable information in

48
data analysis during the research process (Creswell, 2017), and the researcher reported the

achievement of data saturation.

Instrumentation

There were two instruments for this study: interviews with open-ended questions and

focus group discussion questions. The individual teacher interviews were conducted before the

focus group discussion. The responses provided from the interviews drove the focus group

discussion questions. The two sources of data ensure the reliability of data collection.

Individual Interview

The first round of data collection was the conduction of face-to-face teacher interviews,

which included nine total questions (see Appendix D). The interview questions were associated

with the research questions and study purpose. The interview questions were based upon the

central research question and subquestions of the study. The interview questions were focused on

teacher perceptions. Table 1 showed the association between the interview questions and the

research questions.

Table 1

Research Questions/ Interview Questions Association Table

Research Questions Interview Questions

(SQ1) What external factors do teachers perceive (1) What do you perceive as external factors, such

impacting students’ academic performance in online as course design, that impact students’

courses? academic performance in online courses?

49
Table 1 (continued)

Research Questions Interview Questions

(SQ1) What external factors do teachers perceive (2) What impact do external factors, such as

impacting students’ academic performance in online technology proficiency/literacy, course

courses? design/curriculum, parent support, teacher

support/teaching strategies and motivation have

on students’ online achievement?

(SQ2) What internal factors do teachers perceive (3) What do you perceive as the internal factors,

impacting students’ academic performance in online such as student characteristics, that impact

courses? students’ academic performance in online

courses?

(4) What impact do internal characteristics, such as

ethnicity/language, gender and age, have on

students’ online achievement?

(RQ): What factors do teachers perceive as a (5) What do you think are the most significant

significant impact on online students’ success? internal/external factors that impact online

students’ success?

(6) Why do you think they are the most significant

internal and/or external factors that impact

online students’ success?

(SQ3) How do teachers perceive the relationship (7) How do you perceive the relationship between

between student characteristics and other factors student characteristics and other factors such as

such as technology literacy, course design, technology literacy, course design, instructor

instructor interaction, and so forth, on students’ interaction, and so forth, on students’ success?

success?

50
Table 1 (continued)

Research Questions Interview Questions

(SQ4) What suggestions do teachers have for (8) If achievement gaps exist in online courses,

improving students’ academic performance in what would you suggest as ways to implement

online courses? best practice?

(9) What suggestions do you have to improve

students’ online performance based on those

factors?

Conduction of a field-test of interview questions occurred for the validity and reliability

of the interview questions before initial interviews. The field-test was used to determine the

interpretive nature of the interview questions to make sure they would produce answers that

would relate to the study. The instrument for this case study included interviews and focus group

discussion; both was used to explore the perceptions of internal and external factors influencing

students’ academic achievement in online courses. In research, reliability relates to the

consistency of the overall interview, which was determined by the field-test. After conduction of

the field-test, the interview questions were considered valid as teacher responses reflected the

purpose of the study. The wording was a significant concern for the interview questions. Validity

concerns the accuracy of the interview, and therefore the interview questions had to reflect what

the researcher sought to explain.

The teacher population was invited to participate in the study through an email that

outlined the purpose of the study and the criteria for participation. Participation in the research

was entirely voluntary. Participants must have fit into the following criteria. The teachers were

currently employed at CCVS, had taught online for 3 years, and had been a teacher for at least 3

years. Voluntary participation also maintained proper ethical assurances toward study

51
participants. The conduction of the individual teacher interview lasted between 30–40 minutes.

Responses were held in strictest confidence using participant numbers in order to ensure

participant privacy.

Focus Group Discussion

The second form of data collection came from a focus group discussion. After the

completion of initial teacher interviews, the researcher synthesized information to identify

common themes that emerged. Then the focus group discussions occurred. In the focus group

discussion, five participants from the original 20 teacher volunteers were solicited to discuss and

answer the focus group discussion questions. Participation in the focus group was voluntary.

Four major questions and topics guided the group (see Appendix D). The use of focus group

discussions allowed for cross-examination of information and clarification of form analysis of

individual interviews. The focus group also allowed for open discussion on the topic of study

based on shared perceptions teachers had on internal/external factors that impacted student

online achievement. The researcher recorded the individual face-to-face interviews and the focus

group discussions using a digital voice recorder. The focus group discussion questions were

based again on teacher perceptions within the online environment.

Data Collection

Before the collection of data, the researcher obtained IRB Approval. Before conducting

individual interviews, the researcher used a field-test of the interview questions to ensure

validity. The field-test had three total participants. The field-test was used to determine if the

interview questions interpretive nature reflected the purpose of the study. The collection of data

were through interviewing teachers to find out their perceptions of the factors influencing

students’ online success.

52
 The participants were solicited voluntarily. The initial face-to-face interviews occurred

within a 30–40 minute timeframe (determined by participant schedule), and the participants were

asked nine interview questions. These questions were based on the research questions and the

purpose of the study. There was a total of 20 individual teacher interviews. All interviewees were

given a participant number to ensure privacy.

A focus group discussion was the secondary source of data collection. Focus group

discussions occurred after the individual teacher interviews and consisted of five teachers as

participants. Again, the involvement was based on the willingness of participants to volunteer.

The researcher guided the discussions with four major questions. The four questions were

determined based on data collected from the individual teacher interviews and the commonalities

that emerged. Focus group discussions lead to an open conversation about factors that impact

student online success. The researcher recorded the individual face-to-face teacher interviews,

and the focus group discussion using a digital voice recorder.

Interview responses and the focus group discussion identified common teacher

perceptions on internal student characteristics and external factors that impact academic

achievement. When patterns emerged, the researcher saw which student characteristics and

factors influenced academic success in the online course based on teacher perception.

The teacher interview results and focus group discussion were evaluated and compared to

understand the factors influencing students’ online performance. The examination of data

highlighted similarities and shared internal/external factors. Through this process, data helped

determine patterns within answers from the teacher interviews and highlighted factors of

importance. The patterns that emerged explained a meaningful relationship between what

teachers perceived as individual factors that may impact student success in online courses. The

53
focus group discussion data were studied for patterns to offer clarification and the cross-

reference of findings.

Identification of Attributes

To understand the impact that distance learning had on student academic success, and to

answer the research questions posed in the study, the following attributes led the research design:

age, gender, ethnicity/language, technology proficiency/literacy, course design/curriculum,

parental support, teacher support/teaching strategies, and motivation. These attributes were

common elements of concern within distance learning based on contemporary literature. These

attributes were measured through the questions posed during the individual teacher interviews

and the focus group discussion. The questions focused on identifying the impact of the following

attributes on online student success.

Age

The increase in the diverse population in online learning raises the question of different

factors that may impact student academic achievement. One such factor is the age of the student

participant. The age of an online learner may be a potential predictor of their success within

online courses (Ke & Kwak, 2013). Age impacts learner’s previous knowledge and interaction

with course material. Age also plays a role in distance learning when focusing on student

perception (Ke & Kwak, 2013). Studies have shown that student perception and satisfaction

within their online course trends downward with age, which may again impact student academic

achievement.

Gender

Gender is also a variable that plays a role in the online environment. In recent studies,

gender was a significant predictor of online enrollment in online courses (Conway et al., 2015).

54
Gender also relates to student satisfaction with their online course and interaction within the

online course.

Ethnicity and Language

Ethnicity is also an important variable (Gyamfi & Sukseemuang, 2018). Studies

highlighted noticeable characteristics of students that might lead to learner comprehension in

virtual classes such as language proficiency. They identified certain minority groups, including

ethnic groups. Their research detected that minority learners enrolled in online classes in less

frequency, which could have dire consequences in their career pathway (Gyamfi &

Sukseemuang, 2018).

Technology Proficiency/Literacy

Technology literacy is part of the larger piece of the puzzle in the success of students

academically (Caranikas-Walker et al., 2011). Data showed that technology literacy is essential

to student success in online courses (Bobeva et al., 2015). Prior knowledge and understanding of

technology benefited students within the virtual world (Wang, 2017). Schools must begin to

realize that student characteristics cannot solely determine success, but technology literacy plays

a role as well (Balaban et al., 2015). If schools are determined to continue the practice of having

students take supplemental online coursework, the schools must also be prepared to provide the

necessary training for students to understand their virtual classes (Nam, 2016). Technology

literacy should become a focal point of online educational research as the increase of students

taking online courses becomes the norm (Nam, 2016).

Course Design/Curriculum

Researchers evaluating distance learning currently agree on determining long-term

effects on student success. Data were being analyzed by educators, administrators, and

55
stakeholders to determine the future of course design. The design of online courses may play a

vital role in the success of students in their online classes (Bobeva et al., 2015). The virtual

educational world must look to see how course design impacts the student’s comprehension of

the material.

Parent Support

Within education, the need for students to have additional support can be a crucial

component to their overall success. One such form of support is parent or family support.

Students that have a support system at home will have additional resources in which to use and

go to for help with educational topics. Parental support can help build student confidence and,

thus, confidence within their educational experiences. Having parental support can also build

confidence in the online environment. Parent support can lend a hand in allowing students who

participate in online courses to have additional help with the use of digital tools.

Teacher Support/Teaching Strategies

Along with parent support, students also rely on a support system beyond that of their

home life. Teacher support can allow students to use what they have learned at home and extend

it into the classroom and create meaningful learning experiences. Teacher’s support also relates

to teaching strategies as the tactics used by teachers must promote student achievement. Best

practices can reach all types of student learners and again lead to student confidence in their

knowledge and understanding. Technology offers a plethora of tools, and therefore teaching

strategies in the online environment can lead to an increase in student achievement.

Motivation

Of the student characteristics that may impact student success in the online environment,

motivation may be the most important. Student’s motivation to interact with the content and

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make their learning experience meaningful is vital in any educational sphere and perhaps more

so in the virtual sphere. Online coursework requires the student to be in charge of their learning.

Without motivation, the student will have no foundation to succeed in their online coursework.

Data Analysis Procedures

From the collected material, the organization of data led to categorization to manage

information. This process allows the researcher to determine patterns or common characteristics

and factors that may emerge (Creswell, 2013). The interview data and focus group discussion

data were transcribed and organized. Data analysis was conducted manually. The researcher did

not use any software to analyze data. The patterns that emerged explained a meaningful

relationship between individual factors that may impact student success in online courses. The

process consisted of five steps outlined in this section (Yin, 2014). The 5-step manual analysis

was as follows:

1. Compiling of data from the transcriptions of teacher interviews and the focus group

discussion

2. Close readings and citations

3. Create interview categories, classify themes based on participants’ responses, and use

participants’ codes

4. Identify the top frequency to serve as significant emergent themes and revise

conclusion

5. Determine the significance of findings

Once individual face-to-face teacher interviews occurred, and the focus group discussion

was complete, the researcher compiled the transcriptions and organized them. This step included

the compilation of any notes or other documents from the individual teacher interviews and the

57
focus group discussion. The researcher made a note of any additional information attained during

the study. Examining data occurred through the close reading of transcription material using

annotations to organize thoughts. This step included the coding of data. There were two rounds

of coding. The first round identified frequent patterns and common categories in data. The

second round of coding determined recurring themes present in data based on teacher perception.

Identifying themes demonstrated the in-depth analysis of data. Once done, the researcher

identified patterns, recurring themes, perceptions, and so forth. From the commonalities, the

researcher determined the significance of recurrent information about the research study and

research questions.

Limitations of the Research Design

The focus of this qualitative study was a look into teacher perceptions on what student

characteristics and other internal/external factors impact academic achievement in online

courses. Within the research design, there were limitations. The small sample size reduced the

responses and thus the limited information gained was a limitation. The sample was of the

teacher population from an online school. The results of the study could not make assumptions

on a larger population outside of the school. Teacher honesty with answering interview questions

was also a limitation. Teacher responses that were honest and truthful helped highlight internal

and external factors that impact students in online courses.

Another limitation would include the proficiency of the English language of the teachers

participating in the interview. Though most of the teachers who participated spoke English and

an idiomatic level, the wording of the interview questions needed to be easily interpreted.

Carefully wording the interview and having other individuals proof the interpretive nature of the

survey was at the forefront to help limit the skewed results. The researcher also conducted a

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field-test of the interview questions prior to the start of individual teacher interviews. Some

delimitations included the fact that the interview was only a snapshot in the given timeframe and

thus did not reflect long-term impacts or changes that occur in the target population over time.

Validation

Validity within research means that the study’s findings represented what its researcher

was trying to measure. The use of a qualitative case study design was because the design helps to

highlight relationships in a logical way. The design uses data collection to identify specific

behaviors and perceptions of factors. This study had validity through a carefully constructed

interview, which is known as a successful tool to measure perceptions in previous studies. The

interview questions came from the central question of the research. Once the interview questions

were composed, the researcher received approval from the Faculty Chair and Committee. Then

the researcher conducted a field-test before the initial interview to ensure the validity of the

interview questions. The field-test had three volunteer teacher participants to determine the

interpretive nature of the interview questions.

Credibility

Credibility relates to the concept that there was truth to the findings of the study. The

chosen design for the study was a qualitative case study design. The design focuses on gathering

data using an interview to provide information. The interview questions used were carefully

worded and constructed. The interview was a cross-sectional design where interview data were

collected only once per teacher based on the sample of the broader population (Creswell, 2017).

The use of the interview helped to highlight teacher perceptions (Githens et al., 2012).

Conduction of the research occurred using carefully worded interview questions created by the

59
researcher adapted from the central question of the research. Participation in the research was

entirely voluntary. Since it was voluntary, the results had reliability and validity.

In the qualitative case study, the researcher tested the theory and research questions

(Creswell, 2017). Specifically, through a case study design, the study attempted to highlight

ways in which teachers perceive student’s performance in online courses (Yu, 2016). The use of

a case study research design helps show patterns within a larger population (Creswell, 2017).

Through an interview and a focus group discussion, data collected highlighted the perception of

the characteristics of a population. Interview and focus group discussion data were especially

useful for the study as they helped show different teacher perceptions on factors that impact

student academic achievement in the online course (Balaban et al., 2015). The research design

collected all data through the answers provided by teachers within the interview (Gyamfi &

Sukseemuang, 2018) as well as the focus group discussion.

Dependability

The dependability of a study relates to the idea that the research findings were reliable

and consistent and, therefore, should be repeated in future studies. For the study to be

dependable, the researcher documented processes in detail so that other studies can replicate the

research concisely. With detailed documentation of the study, the research was dependable and

allowed for future investigations within similar study topics. The study will be able to expand

upon the research findings.

Expected Findings

Through the study, the expectation was that the results would determine teacher

perceptions of internal/external factors that impact student academic achievement in online

courses. Expected findings included observation on perceptions of factors including things such

60
as course design, interaction within the course, and additional resources. Another expected result

was that teachers’ perceptions identified a relationship between student characteristics and online

course achievement. Such characteristics included age, gender, and technology literacy.

Through the study, the interview showed teacher perceptions of what student aspects lead to

online course achievement. Data highlighted teacher perceptions of the different factors that may

impact student academic achievement within the online environment (Hew & Tan, 2017). The

conversation on distance learning suggests the need to explore the significant role that virtual

education has had on students. The study helped determine if factors such as gender, age,

socioeconomic status, and so forth, play a role in the online educational success through

examining teacher perceptions (Githens et al., 2012). Through the collection of data, the study

can identify best practices through the perception of factors highlighted by teachers’ perceptions

(Creswell, 2017). Specifically, through the study, it was expected that determination of factors

that crucially impact student’s performance in online courses would be identified, and thus

teachers will implement best practices to meet these various needs (Yu, 2016).

Ethical Issues

Research ethics is concerned with the protection of study participants, the legitimacy of

published research presented through the study as well as the safety of subjects concerned. This

research included teacher participation, and there was a close adherence to ethical procedures. To

ensure the privacy of the participants, each participant was given a participant number in place of

their name. IRB approval was the first step before data were collected.

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Conflict of Interest Assessment

There was no conflict of interest for this study. The researcher had no supervisory role

with the participants and that their participation was voluntary. The participants’ privacy was

protected using numbers in lieu of names during the analysis procedures.

Researcher’s Position

The research intends to add to the conversation on the impact of distance education on

student learning. In this case, the study pertained to teacher perceptions of students from Grades

6–12. The study was of importance due to the increasing trend of students participating in online

courses and the need to study its long-term impact on learners. The researcher made sure to

observe the code of ethics outlined. The researcher was aware that as with any research, ethical

issues might arise, and risks to its participants might occur. Due to such, the study adhered to the

ethical code of research.

Ethical Issues in the Study

The study emphasized ethical methods since participants were employees of the school.

One step to ensure ethical issues were met was through the adherence to the privacy of

participants. Approval from IRB was the first step before data collection. Approval was received

from the administrators at the targeted school, including the principal and assistant principal of

CCVS. The interview questions helped to ensure that honest teacher perceptions were collected,

and the personal teacher’s information asked in the interview was in the strictest confidentiality.

The interviews were conducted in a one-on-one environment to ensure privacy. Personal

information beyond necessary demographic information and consent was not collected, and

participants had to sign a formed consent before the interview. The same was true for the focus

group discussion. Any information, electronic data, such as recorded interviews and physical

62
transcriptions, were securely stored in an USB and was stored in a lockbox where the researcher

was the only one with access to the key. The information will be destroyed 3 years after the

study is concluded.

Chapter Summary

Virtual learning is becoming the newest trend in student academics. Schools around the

nation are turning to online courses to connect with a growing number of students through a

variety of classes. This increase in virtual education has led to the need to evaluate the overall

impact online coursework has on academic achievement. Through the study, the researcher

outlined and explained the qualitative study, including justifying the research, discussing the

chosen design choice, as well as specifying the collection of data. Through the conduction of

face-to-face teacher interviews and the focus group discussion, the research can help discern the

various teacher perceptions on factors influencing students’ achievement in virtual courses.

Through the qualitative research method, the study determined teachers’ perceptions of the

factors that impact differing populations of online students.

By examining teachers’ perceptions and viewpoints, the research adds to the previous

literature on the impact of virtual schooling on students’ academic success (Eriksson, 2012). The

study touched on the impact of virtual courses on students due to the growing requirement of

educational institutions for students to take online classes (Caranikas-Walker et al., 2011). The

increase in technology and its interaction with student learners has brought significant attention

to the impact such technology has on student success (Hew & Tan, 2017). With the push of

virtual education, research has focused on the long-term implications of such schooling on

students. In this study, the researcher outlined and explained the use of an interview and the

construction of the interview questions (Creswell, 2017) as well as the focus group discussion.

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 The researcher expected that through data collected through the teacher interviews and

the focus group discussion, various teacher perceptions on factors influencing students’

achievement in virtual courses were measured. Through the qualitative study, the researcher

determined teacher perceptions of the consequences that virtual education has had on differing

populations of students. Through the results of teacher interviews and the focus group

discussion, teacher perceptions highlighted if factors such as gender, age, socioeconomic status,

and so forth, played a role in determining student success in online education (Githens et al.,

2012). The researcher also looked at teacher perceptions of the factors and barriers that impact

student achievement in virtual courses.

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 Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Results

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external

factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. The central research

question was: what factors do teachers perceive as a significant impact on online students’

success? There were four research subquestions for the study: (a) What external factors do

teachers perceive impacting students’ academic performance in online courses?, (b) What

internal factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic performance in online

courses?, (c) How do teachers perceive the relationship between student characteristics and other

factors such as technology literacy, course design, instructor interaction, and so forth, on

students’ success?, and (d) What suggestions do teachers have for improving students’ academic

performance in online courses?

Chapter 4 provides a detailed account of data collection and analysis as well as findings

of teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors that influence online student success.

Chapter 4 consists of the description of the sample, research methodology, data analysis,

summary of findings, and presentation of data and results. The researcher’s role and motivation

for the study was to discover teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors that impact

online student success. The researcher had background and knowledge of the virtual educational

environment, including 7 years of teaching experience, with 4 years of online teaching

experience. The researcher was the sole individual for data analysis, including coding of data and

the formation of initial findings and results.

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 Description of the Sample

The participants were 20 teachers from Coral County Virtual School (pseudonym). Coral

County Virtual School currently employs nearly 100 teachers who teach any number of students

within the more than 200,000 students in the county. Convenience sampling method was used.

The criteria for selecting the participants included teachers that were full-time online teachers

who received a bachelor’s degree in the subject area taught and had a Professional Teacher

Certificate issued from the Department of Education.

After receiving IRB approval on January 7th, 2020, and site approval, an email invitation

was sent to elicit potential teachers to participate in the study. All 20 volunteer teacher

participants completed the “Informed Consent Form” before initial individual interviews and the

focus group discussion. Of the 20 teacher volunteers who participated in the individual

interviews, five teachers from the group volunteered to participate in the focus group discussion.

To protect the identity of participants, each participant received a participant number in lieu of

their name.

Table 2 showed an overview of participants’ collected information from both the

individual teacher interviews and the focus group discussion. Years of online teaching and grade

levels taught were included. The participants granted permission for the researcher to document

their demographic information without releasing their names. Out of the participants 60% had a

master’s degree while 35% of the participants had a bachelor’s degree. Of the participants: 65%

of the participants were Caucasians, 20% of the participants were African American, 10% of the

participants were Hispanic and, 5% of the participants were Asian. The years of online teaching

experience ranged from 3 years to 14 years. Of the participants, 20% of the participants had more

than 10 years of experience teaching online.

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Table 2

Participants Teaching Information and Professional Characteristics

Participants Years of Online Grade Levels Taught

Teaching
Participant 1 6 years 6–12

Participant 2 4 years 6–12

Participant 3 3 years 6–12

Participant 4 5 years 6–12

Participant 5 10 years 6–12

Participant 6 3 years 6–12

Participant 7 10 years 6–12

Participant 8 10 years 6–12

Participant 9 3 years 6–12

Participant 10 3 years 6–12

Participant 11 3 years 6–12

Participant 12 4 years 6–12

Participant 13 9 years 6–12

Participant 14 8 years 6–12

Participant 15 5 years 6–12

Participant 16 3 years 6–12

Participant 17 14 years 6–12

Participant 18 4 years 6–12

Participant 19 5 years 6–12

Participant 20 3 years 6–12

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 Research Methodology and Analysis

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external

factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. A qualitative research

method, with a single case study design was adopted. This case study design was one of

exploratory case study design since the researcher sought to explore a phenomenon in a real-

world situation. There are several types to choose from, which include explanatory, exploratory,

descriptive, multiple-case, intrinsic, instrumental, and collective. Explanatory is used to answer a

central question while exploratory looks at specific situations and descriptive is focused on

describing. The multiple-case study compares different cases, which is like collective case

studies. An intrinsic case study is used for understanding, while instrumental provides insight.

The researcher used the exploratory case study design as the research was looking to explore

internal and external factors that impact students in their online courses based on teacher

perceptions (Yin, 2017).

Data Collection

After the researcher obtained IRB Approval and Site Approval, the researcher prepared

for data collection. Before data collection occurred, the researcher conducted a field-test of the

interview questions to ensure validity. To do this, the researcher had three teacher volunteers

who answered the interview questions. After the initial field-test, it was determined that the

interview questions were valid since answers reflected the question posed. The answers the

researcher received from the volunteer participants related to the purpose of the study as well as

the central research question.

To elicit teacher volunteers for the study, the researcher sent an email outlining the

study’s purpose to the teachers. The researcher used email addresses obtained from the school

68
due to the researcher’s current employment at the school. Besides outlining the purpose of the

study, the email addressed the criteria for volunteers to participate. The first 20 volunteers who

met the following criteria were chosen for the study. CCVS must currently employ the

participants, the teacher had taught at least 3 years, and had taught online for 3 years or more.

Volunteers were asked to schedule a time for the interview and signed the consent form

before the interview was conducted. The interviews were conducted and recorded one-to-one

within a timeframe of 30–40 minutes. The participants were asked nine total interview questions

(see Appendix D) and were aware that they could withdraw from the study at any time.

Participant numbers were used instead of names to ensure privacy.

The second form of data collection was provided through focus group discussions. After

initial interviews, five volunteer teacher participants from the 20 volunteers were asked to

participate in a focus group discussion. The researcher guided the discussion at a set time

decided by the participants with four open-ended questions (see Appendix E). The session was

recorded, and participant codes were again used to ensure privacy.

Data Analysis

Once data were collected, the individual teacher interviews and the focus group

discussion data were transcribed and organized. The researcher utilized manual analysis. The

researcher did not use any software to analyze data. The researcher chose manual analysis due to

data being that of teacher perceptions. The process consisted of five steps outlined in this section

(Yin, 2014). The 5-step manual analysis was as follows:

1. Compiling of data from the transcriptions of teacher interviews and the focus group

discussion

2. Close readings and citations

69
 3. Create interview categories, classify themes based on participants’ responses, and

use participants’ codes

4. Identify the top frequency to serve as significant emergent themes and revise

conclusions

5. Determine the significance of findings

Using the 5-step manual process for data analysis, the researcher conducted several close

readings of the transcriptions. With these close readings, the researcher added annotations. The

study had two rounds of coding. The first round of coding identified common patterns

throughout the different interviews and focus group discussions. This round of coding helped the

researcher manage recurring ideas.

The researcher created interview categories, classified themes based on participants’

responses, and used participants’ codes. The second round of coding focused on determining

themes that appeared in data. The examination of themes helped for significance and relevance

to the study’s central topic. The use of two sources of data were to ensure that data were not bias

on the perceptions of the sample group. The two rounds of coding allowed for comparison of the

results to ensure that identified themes were true.

Summary of the Findings

From the collection of data from both the individual teacher interviews and the focus

group discussion, the data shed light on teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors that

impact student success online. The data also highlighted teachers’ perceptions and suggestions

on administrative support in virtual classes that could improve student academic achievement.

Data from the interviews and the focus group discussion were analyzed separately. They were

compared to ensure the reliability of results. The two sources of data allowed for data saturation

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to occur, meaning no new discoverable information once the data were analyzed (Creswell,

2017), and the researcher reported the achievement of data saturation.

Individual Teacher Interviews Summary

The summary of findings from the individual teacher interviews were based on themes

that appeared after analyzation of data based on coding. The initial findings highlighted that

teachers perceived that students with an internal drive or motivation were essential to the success

of students in their online courses. Other themes that emerged showed that external factors, such

as teacher support and parent support, played a significant role in online student success. These

findings concluded that internal and external factors work in conjunction to bolster or impede

online student success.

Data revealed general themes that reoccurred throughout the analysis of data. The general

themes were determined due to the frequency in which participants identified such internal and

external factors. General themes included the impact of student characteristics, student access to

technology, student exposure to technology, and the outside environment of the student. From

the general themes, significant themes emerged. The frequency of teacher perceptions

highlighted significant themes. Significant themes included: student motivation/drive-in

academics, teacher support for online students, communication between stakeholders for student

success, parent support of the student, and home life of the student. Data also highlighted several

subthemes, including the technology proficiency of students, organizational skills, learning

styles, IT exposure, and extracurricular activities of students. These themes relate directly to the

internal and external factors that teachers perceive influence online student success.

Student motivation/drive in academics. Student motivation/drive in academics was an

internal factor that teachers perceived to impact the overall success of the online student.

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Throughout data, teachers noted the significance of student motivation and drive as one of the

significant factors determining online course completion. Teachers believed that without a

student’s drive and motivation to succeed in the course, the result would most likely be failure

(P5, P6, P7, P10, P17, P20). “Motivation is the foundation on the road to online student success

in their coursework” (P18). P18 noted that “motivation or self-drive accounted for the foundation

for success.” P1 stated that “if there is a desire to succeed, it will happen.” P14 related it all to

the inner “intrinsic drive.”

Throughout the individual interviews and during the focus group discussions, drive

within the online environment was perceived to play a significant role. P11 noted that

“motivation tied to a student’s perseverance which could also be linked to external factors.” P8

explained the “motivation linked to the student’s level of achievement.” P13 stated, “drive in all

things” leads to the success of the student. In their interview, P16 related it to “level of focus.”

Teacher support for online success. Another theme that emerged in data analysis was

the need for teacher support within the online environment. Teachers perceived the role of the

teacher as an integral part of the support system for online student success. The “course teacher

can have a profound impact on student success in their online class,” P12 said. P19 noted the

importance of the online teacher to be “relatable to students.”

The teacher had to be an “additional system of support for the student” (P16, P17) for the

student to feel confident in their learning. Thus, teacher support was necessary in terms of

motivation and communication (P5). P1 highlighted the need for teachers to provide support by

demonstrating skills for students. P2 felt that by demonstrating for students, we would be

“preparing them for the real world.” P4 stated that besides teacher demonstrations, “teachers

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needed to provide additional help like tutoring.” P8 related teacher style as “essential to the

success of an online student.”

Communication between stakeholders for student success. Along with teacher

support, communication between student, parent, and teacher was observed as essential.

Teachers needed to provide feedback and constant communication to meet the needs of the

online learner (P16). The need for a relationship between teacher, student, and parent was of

notice. P3, P10, and P14 stated the importance of building relationships and communication.

P5 and P13 agreed that communication was crucial for improving success. With this

suggestion, P17 reiterated the essential importance of relationship regarding the online

environment due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. In the online course, students need the

teacher to support and communicate directions and information. P17 urged for the need to have

teachers continue to build relationships with students and parents. P14 said that “along with

intrinsic characteristics, the teacher plays a major role in student success online.”

Parent support of the student. In conjunction with teacher support, parent support and

involvement were also common themes. Teachers mentioned that the more involved a parent was

in the student’s academic journey, the more likely the student would be driven to succeed in the

online environment (P1, P20). Along with internal drive, teachers emphasized the essential need

for parent/guardian support for online student success. “Family life often dictates the success of a

child,” P13 stated. Parent involvement in their child’s life builds the confidence of the student

(P6). Since online courses require students to take charge of their education, parent support, and

understanding could make a difference (P18). As mentioned by P11, “internal perseverance of

drive could be shaped by parental support.” In agreement with the significant role parent support

played in the success of the student in their course, P3 and P12 noted how parents form the basis

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of student characteristics. P7 stated the “desire to succeed stems from the home life and the

support the parent gives the student.” P20 concluded, “Parents shape the desire of the student to

succeed and therefore impacts their success online.”

Homelife of the student. Parent support, especially regarding the student’s home life

was mentioned of importance in creating a balanced support system for the student to succeed in

the online environment (P1, P3, P7, P9). P7 took parent involvement a step further by

highlighting the fact that “homelife shaped student motivation.” Thus, parent support with a

balanced home life allows students to flourish in education.

Other important external/internal factors. Other internal and external factors of note

provided subthemes. For internal factors, teachers explained the importance of student

organizational skills, their learning style, and proficiency with technology. Students with specific

skills were more prone to online success (P12). Skills could relate to IQ (P12) or organizational

abilities (P6). Skills could also be in terms of “focus and time-management” (P16).

External factors mentioned were exposure to technology and extracurricular schedule of

the student (P9). It was assumed that the earlier the student was exposed to technology, the more

comfortable they were in the course (P16). Teachers also stated that the number of

extracurricular activities often played a role in if students could balance the coursework. P11

suggested the role of economics in terms of online success. Students who were of lower

economic status may not have access to necessary resources (P11). This concept ties in with

P12’s belief that ethnicity was a factor that predicted success online. Other student characteristics

were based on gender (P5) and age (P18). These subthemes correlated with the different

experiences the teacher had within the online environment.

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Focus Group Discussion Summary

As with the individual teacher interviews, the focus group discussion was based on

teacher perceptions on internal and external factors that influence online academic success. The

focus group discussion questions elicited the conversation further by asking teacher participants

to elaborate on their initial identification of factors and to explain the reasoning for the

significance. The focus group discussion also identified teachers’ perceptions of the

administrative support of teachers to improve students’ academic achievement as well as suggest

further ways for the administration to support the success of students in their online coursework.

Data from the focus group discussion yielded similar results to the initial individual

teacher interviews. Teachers in the focus group discussion explored the internal and external

factors that influenced student success in their online coursework with a detailed assessment of

the most impactful factors. The focus group discussion also highlighted the perception of

teachers on the administrative support provided to teachers to help students succeed in the online

environment. With these perceptions, teachers also suggested ways to improve student success

through administrative support.

Teacher perceived internal and external factors. The focus group discussion, which

followed the initial individual teacher interviews, highlighted teachers’ perceptions of the

internal and external factors that influence virtual students. The unanimous agreement within the

focus group discussion was that of motivation as an essential internal factor that determined

online success. Beyond this internal factor, P7 focused on external factors of student homelife

and parent support for the academic success of the student. P7 stated, “Homelife can heavily

impact students’ academic goals.” P17 agreed that “support systems were necessary for student

success.”

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 However, P17 felt that the teacher was the most crucial member of the student support

team as they have a thorough understanding of the student’s “academic background.” P14 added

to the support system of students when describing the “communication” that was essential

between parent, student, and teacher. An outlier was P8, who thought that student technology

proficiency, along with their internal drive, was the right “recipe for success” of the online

student.

Administrative support and suggestions for online student success. The focus group

discussion also delved into the topic of administrative support of teachers to help online student

success. The discussion yielded a relative agreement that, like most administrators, there was a

primary support system put into place to help teachers. However, due to the unique environment

of virtual education, teachers often felt a lack of understanding and necessary tools to help

students be successful within their virtual classrooms. Of the suggestions presented in the focus

group discussion was the concept of communication between not only the parent, student, and

teacher but other stakeholders such as administration and the need for additional resources that

would help the student succeed in their online classes.

Presentation of the Data and Results

Based on the perceptions of teachers, internal and external factors that impact online

student success were brought to light. Of the provided responses, data yielded general themes.

From these general themes stemmed significant themes, including student motivation/drive in

academics, teacher support of student, communication of stakeholders for student success, parent

support, and home life of the students. These themes developed the highest frequency results of

the internal and external factors that teachers perceived influenced online student success.

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Participants’ Profiles

Internal factors included factors that dealt with student characteristics. External factors

included outside factors that were outside the influence of the online student. Of note were the

following. In terms of the overall teacher perceived factors that impacted student online success,

of highest frequency, were internal factors of drive and motivation and the external factors of

support systems for the student. Perceived external factors were parent and teacher support of the

student, homelife, and course design. Internal factors identified included motivation and

organizational skills of the student as well as experience with technology. The relationship

between the internal characteristics and external factors indicated the fact that teachers perceived

that internal and external factors work together to support online student success. Overall, the

teachers suggested that in order to improve online student success, teachers should demonstrate

learning to prepare students for the real world. Building relationships was also noted as essential

for the success of online learners.

Participant 1 (P1). Participant 1 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 6

years online teaching at online at CCVS. Participant 1 specifically taught Grades 6–12. The

participant highlighted drive as an internal factor that leads to online student success. Participant

1 noted that “students need to have a want to accomplish things as an internal student

characteristic.” Participant 1 suggested the “language of the student can impact the

understanding of course but is not a main defining internal factor for success.”

The participant identified parent background and career as an external driving force on

online student success. Participant 1 stated that in their experience, “parents who were college-

educated had students who were more with it.” The participant also added that “parent

involvement often leads to better student achievement.” External factors such as reward systems

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also motivate students to succeed in the online course. Participant 1 believed “teacher support

added another system of support that proved useful in student success.”

Of the external and internal factors that were listed, Participant 1 said the internal drive of

the students and parent support were the most important. Participant 1 linked drive to the fact

that “if the student wants something, they will work for it.” Working with parents who support

the student, the student is more productive. Participant 1 noted, “That 75% of their students who

have parent support succeed in the online course.” During the interview, Participant 1

highlighted the need to improve the writing skills of students. Some suggestions included one-

on-one help and in course writing and reading practice throughout core curriculum courses.

Participant 2 (P2). Participant 2 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 4

years online teaching at CCVS. Participant 2 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 2

identified motivation as the most significant internal factor for online student success. Participant

2 related that the reason for the student taking the course had the most impact on their overall

academic achievement. The participant also said, “Learning issues or social issues play a role in

impacting student achievement.” Participant 2 stated, “Age worked in line with motivation.” The

older the student, the more motivated they tend to be.

Another internal factor could be “language learners who tend to do better in the online

course because there are more resources than the traditional course” (P2). For external factors,

Participant 2 noted parent support and teacher support as two of the most important. The

participant also highlighted the impact of student extracurricular activities, “which tend to play a

negative role in online student success.” The participant also stated that course design could be

an external factor due to not being user-friendly. Of the internal and external factors described,

Participant 2 found that “motivation and parent support were the most essential for student

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success as they work together for the best outcome.” To improve online success, Participant 2

suggested, “that teachers be more flexible and available to demonstrate knowledge for students

so they can understand the material presented.”

Participant 3 (P3). Participant 3 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 3

years online teaching at CCVS. Participant 3 specifically taught Grades 6–12. In the interview,

Participant 3 acknowledged organization and students’ ability to balance as key internal factors

that impact student online success. They noted that “if the students are not organized, they will

have a hard time balancing and then shut down or stop working in the course.”

Participant 3 said that “language is a big internal factor that motivates females’ learners

of different languages to try hard while it has the opposite effect on males.” Participant 3 noted

the impact of age on online student success. For external factors, Participant 3 stated that

“homelife impacts online achievement.” Also, teacher and parent communication are external

factors that influence success for the student. “Thus, a support system is a major external factor

that impacts academic achievement” (P3). Based on online learning, the participant felt that there

were “major achievement gaps regarding higher-level thinking and student creativity with their

online coursework.” In order to combat these gaps and improve online student success,

Participant 3 highlighted the need to create an online school community for support.

Participant 4 (P4). Participant 4 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 5

years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 4 specifically taught Grades 6–12. In the interview,

Participant 4 stated that student intrinsic drive and self-motivation were the main internal

characteristics that impact online achievement. Also, of importance was the “student’s ability to

multitask and create a schedule to balance coursework” (P4).

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 Other internal factors that play a role in student success include age as it relates to

maturity. External factors that Participant 4 identified as impacting online success included

“course design and instructor communication.” Participant 4 noted that “parent support could

sometimes help or hinder depending on the type of support the parent is giving.” Participant 4

said that overall, intrinsic motivation and knowledge of the technology were the biggest factors

for online student success. To combat this, teachers can provide additional support and help

through tutorials, one-on-one instruction, and other resources.

Participant 5 (P5). Participant 5 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 10

years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 5 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 5

believed self-motivation, especially for online success, was an important internal factor for

student success. Participant 5 noted that “students with different languages did well because they

translated material and worked at their own pace.” The participant also stated that gender played

a role, “as females were more motivated to complete the course, and age had a negative effect

due to the maturity levels of the student.”

External factors that impacted student achievement included the student’s ability to

access the online course, IT resources, and internet access. Participant 5 agreed that “students

who are tech-savvy seem to do better, and students who have parent and teacher support do very

well in their online course.” Participant 5 felt that the most important factor was “constant

communication between parent, student, and teacher to create the ultimate support system.”

Participant 5 stated to improve online student success, immediate and detailed feedback is

necessary for achievement in the online course.

Participant 6 (P6). Participant 6 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 3 of

teaching online at CCVS. Participant 6 specifically taught Grades 6–12. In the interview,

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Participant 6 stated that “motivation and organization were important internal factors.” External

factors noted for importance included student’s ability to navigate the course as well as access to

the internet. Of importance for external characteristics was the role of the teacher and parent

involvement in student learning.

Participant 6 felt that overall, “student background or home life, as well as a support

system, played the most important role in online student success.” Major achievement gaps

noticed by Participant 6 included the “difference between students who take both online courses

and traditional courses and students who only take online courses.” To help improve student

success, Participant 6 suggested “extended learning time for assignments for better

comprehension.”

Participant 7 (P7). Participant 7 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 10

teaching online at CCVS. Participant 7 specifically taught Grades 6–12. During the interview,

Participant 7 said the “intrinsic level of motivation, intellect, maturity, and personal interest were

important internal characteristics in online student achievement.” Of importance was the

difference in maturity levels between females and males, “as the latter tends to struggle with

focus more” (P7). Age relates to the level of maturity.

External factors that impact student success include the home environment and exposure

to academic conversations. Participant 7 felt besides homelife and parent support, “course design

could lead to frustration and failure.” Participant 7 believed overall, students’ natural level or

motivation and parental support were the most essential for student success. A significant

achievement gap identified focused on the differences in the economics of students. “To improve

online student success, programs should be created for early intervention for digital exposure”

(P7).

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 Participant 8 (P8). Participant 8 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 10

teaching online at CCVS. Participant 8 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 8 identified

culture as a major internal factor that impacted online student achievement. “Age was also

important as younger students have more drive to do well, while older students tend to be lazier”

(P8). Participant 8 said, “External factors like teaching style, course structure, and technology

access impacted online success.” Participant 8 also noted the importance of parental and teacher

support. Of the factors discussed, the participant felt that “motivated students who were

proficient in technology were the most successful” (P8). Learning gaps were apparent in

assignments that ask for student creativity. Suggestions to improve online success include

preparing students to use technology by teaching them basic skills.

Participant 9 (P9). Participant 9 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of 3 of

teaching online at CCVS. Participant 9 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 9 identified

the “personality of the student, personal goals, and organization skills as the main internal factors

impacting online students’ success.” Participant 9 also noted that gender plays a role in success

as “females tend to mature quicker than males.”

As far as external factors, Participant 9 felt that homelife and extracurricular activities

influenced online success. Participant 9 stated that “parent support and teacher support were not

defining external factors in a student’s success within the online environment.” Of prime focus in

the interview was the essential need for the student to have a driven personality and the fact that

internal factors play the main role in online student success. Achievement gaps listed dealt with

grammar. Some suggestions for improvement in online courses included teacher-driven

resources.

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 Participant 10 (P10). Participant 10 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

3 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 10 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 10

stated that the “motivation of the student, along with student IQ,” were internal factors that lead

to online success. Participant 10 also thought that organization, communication, and

comprehension skills were important internal factors.

External factors that impact online student success were access to internet and Wi-Fi at

home and peer pressure. Participant 10 agreed that teacher support, parent support, and

technology proficiency were important external factors as well as course design. Learning gaps

found in the online environment include gaps with different types of learners. To help raise

achievement in the online course, Participant 10 suggested “building strong relationships

between the teacher, student, parent, and staff.”

Participant 11 (P11). Participant 11 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

3 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 11 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Within the

interview, Participant 11 highlighted internal factors of “motivation, self-drive, and perseverance

as important to online student success.” Participant 11 felt age was a huge external factor as well.

External factors that can impact online achievement included the socioeconomic

background of the student. Participant 11 described the need for parent involvement and teacher

support as well as proficiency with reading comprehension. The participant believed

“perseverance and parent involvement were essential factors for student success online.”

Participant 11 felt there was a major achievement gap in reading comprehension, which could be

solved through consistent directions and guides to help to learn.

Participant 12 (P12). Participant 12 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

4 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 12 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 12

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thought a student’s “upbringing played a huge role in their specific characteristics and thus

linked to academic performance.” This means characteristics like organization, confidence, and

level of self-motivation. Participant 12 believed that ethnicity and socioeconomic status played a

role in online success as well as the primary language spoken by the student.

For external factors, course layout and teacher support were at the forefront. Parent

involvement was also necessary for online student success. Participant 12 felt that overall,

“ethnicity, socioeconomic standing, and parent involvement has the most influence on online

student achievement.” To improve the success of online students, teachers, parents, guidance,

and administration must all support the students and meet their needs.

Participant 13 (P13). Participant 13 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

9 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 13 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 13

began by stating that “internal factors that impact student online success include self-drive and

motivation.” “Ultimately, the desire to succeed and do well helps success” (P13).

External factors included family support and involvement as well as access to the

internet, computer, and needed transportation. Participant 13 also stated that an “interactive

curriculum could help student success as well as teacher involvement and communication.” Of

the most important, self-motivation and access to needed resources were of the most impactful

on student success in the online course. Participant 13 felt there was a major curriculum gap in

terms of the foundation of students with writing skills. To improve online success,

“communication is the key.”

Participant 14 (P14). Participant 14 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

8 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 14 specifically taught Grades 6–12. In the

interview, the participant highlighted the importance of “intrinsic motivation for online student

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success.” Participant 14 also found age to play a role in online success as “younger students

seem more motivated than older students.”

External factors identified were course design and teacher support. Parent support can

also be a great addition to online student success. Participant 14 noted that intrinsic motivation

and teacher support were the most important factors influencing student success online.

Participant 14 believed there were no achievement gaps in the online environment but suggested

the “continued need to use data to drive instruction online.”

Participant 15 (P15). Participant 15 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

5 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 15 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 15

noted that the difference “between introverted and extroverted students was a major internal

characteristic that could help or hinder online achievement.” Participant 15 felt “age and

language could hinder a student if they were too young for the course content or did not speak

English as the main language.”

Participant 15 labeled the ability of the student to self-teach as a defining external

characteristic for online success. The student also needs both teacher and parent support in the

online environment. The participant thought the student’s personality and student schedule

played the main role in factors influencing online achievement. Participant 15 found that a major

achievement gap is due to students failing the traditional course and having to take the online

course, which is based on self-teaching. “These students already struggle with content, even with

a teacher present” (P15). Suggestions to improve online success included tutoring, one-on-one

help, and diagnostic text embedded in the course to tailor to student needs.

Participant 16 (P16). Participant 16 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

4 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 16 specifically taught Grades 6–12. During the

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interview, Participant 16 thought, “level of focus, time management, and pride of performance

were the main internal factors in online achievement.” Participant 16 also said, “age linked to

maturity and understanding.”

Participant 16 believed that economic background and exposure to technology were

important external factors. Along with these, teacher support was important too. Overall, early

exposure to technology was noted as the most important factor in terms of online success.

Significant gaps mentioned were related to access to technology like Wi-Fi at home. To help

improve online student success, more face-to-face opportunities should be offered.

Participant 17 (P17). Participant 17 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

14 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 17 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Motivation

was the main internal factor that Participant 17 identified. Participant 17 also noted that

“organization and learning style played a role in online success.”

External factors that impacted online student achievement included teacher support and

strategies. This relates to course design to meet all learner’s needs. Participant 17 felt that

“relationship building was the most important factor in the online environment to overcome any

barrier to student learning.” Strategies to help online achievement include a continuation of

building relationships and incorporating various methods of instruction.

Participant 18 (P18). Participant 18 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

4 teaching online at CCVS. Participant 18 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 18

identified the internal factors of motivation, drive, organizational skills, and communication

skills as the essential factors impacting online student success. Participant 18 felt that “age could

impact learning due to maturity levels.”

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 External factors that influence online success include course design, student

extracurricular, and outside pressure. Participant 18 also believed that students need technology

proficiency and teacher support for online success. The most important external and internal

factors included student motivation and drive. A significant learning gap identified included

long-term retention of information learned in the online course. To improve online success, the

design of the course needs to have different media forms.

Participant 19 (P19). Participant 19 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

5 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 19 specifically taught Grades 6-12. Participant 19

found that students learning styles were the main internal characteristic that impacted online

success. Participant 19 also thought age regarding maturity helped in online coursework.

External factors that impacted online student success was a focus on course design.

Participant 19 felt that “course design should be relatable to students.” A major gap is the

teacher’s ability to meet all learners since there is both a high and low level of learners.

Participant 19 suggested more “teacher-driven support to help online student achievement.”

Participant 20 (P20). Participant 20 was a professionally certified teacher with a total of

3 years teaching online at CCVS. Participant 20 specifically taught Grades 6–12. Participant 20

said that “intrinsic motivation and learning style were the major internal factors that impacted

students to succeed in the online environment.” The language was also a factor as it may be hard

to translate content or help the student.

External factors identified by Participant 20 included “distractions and no access to

needed technology such as Wi-Fi in their home environment.” Another important external factor

included parent support. “Students with a support system will do better with technology use”

(P20). Participant 20 felt that the ability to self-pace within the online course was the most

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significant factor to impact online student achievement. Both the internal and external factors

work together to impede or bolster student success. Achievement gaps identified included the

difference between student economic background regarding having the resources or not having

access to resources for success. Suggestions included limiting distractions of students in the

virtual environment.

Research Questions Findings

The central research question and subquestions drove the study. From the individual

teacher interviews and the focus group discussion, data were used to answer these questions.

Outlined below are the results of the analysis of data. General themes emerged, and higher

frequency answers became significant themes.

Central Question: What factors do teachers perceive as significant impact on online

student success? After the individual teacher interviews and focus group discussion, teachers

highlighted several internal and external factors that impacted student success in the online

environment. One of the most repeated internal characteristics that teachers believed impacted

online achievement was the motivation or drive of the student. P18 noted that “motivation or

self-drive accounted for the foundation for success.”

Without the intrinsic motivation to succeed, the ability to complete an online course

successfully went relatively downward (P1, P2, P4, P8). P1 stated that “if there is a desire to

succeed, it will happen.” P14 related it all to the inner “intrinsic drive.” Throughout the

individual interviews and during the focus group discussion, drive within the online environment

was perceived to play a significant role. P11 noted that “motivation tied to a student’s

perseverance which could also be linked to external factors.”

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 Along with internal drive, teachers emphasized the essential need for parent/guardian

support for online student success. As mentioned by P11, “internal perseverance of drive could

be shaped by parental support.” In agreement with the significant role parent support played in

the success of the student in their course, P3 and P12 noted how parents form the basis of student

characteristics. P7 stated the “desire to succeed stems from the home life and the support the

parent gives the student.”

Support from the parent also linked to teacher’s perception that students not only need

parent support but teacher support. In the online course, students need the teacher to support and

communicate directions and information. P17 urged for the need to have teachers continue to

build relationships with students and parents. P14 said that “along with intrinsic characteristics,

the teacher plays a major role in student success online.”

Within the individual interviews, other internal and external factors were of importance

to online student achievement. Internal factors highlighted included the student’s ethnicity and

personality. P12 said that “based on ethnicity, students are either set up for success of failure.”

Both P9 and P15 felt that individual personalities, such as introverts, tended to struggle more in

the online environment due to the lack of communication to describe their needs. Teachers

perceived certain external factors as having the most impact on student success in the online

class. P8 stated that students needed to be proficient in technology to be successful while P19

and P20 thought course design hindered or helped student achievement. Still, other teachers

thought exposure to technology created the foundation for success, as determined by Participant

16.

Q1. What external factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic

performance in online courses? Teachers perceived several external factors that impact

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students’ academic performance in online courses. A common factor that emerged was that of

parent support. Parental support was the top external factor that teachers perceived as critical to

student success. Parent support of the student links to how well a student does within their online

coursework. The parent provides the foundation of the student to succeed.

Along with parent support was the idea of the partnership between the student, parent,

and teacher. Thus, teacher support was necessary for terms of motivation and communication. P7

took parent involvement a step further by highlighting the fact that “homelife shaped student

motivation.” Therefore, parent support with a balanced home life allows students to flourish in

education.

Another repeated external factor throughout interviews and within the focus group

discussion was that of course design. P3 suggested the need to “mainstream courses for general

understanding.” P4 believed that course design was the main factor for success. P17 agreed and

added that courses should be “engaging and relatable.” Of note were also external factors of

access to technology. P16 spoke about early exposure to technology while P5, P7, and P20 spoke

of the importance of access to Wi-Fi, especially at home. This relates to the economic

background of students and their access to IT. P9 and P18 thought extracurricular activities and

the student’s ability to balance might impact student success online while P13 and P17 stated

that technology proficiency was also crucial to the completion of online courses.

Q2. What internal factors do teachers perceive impacting students’ academic

performance in online courses? There were several internal factors that teachers perceived as

impacting students’ academic performance in their online courses. While discussing internal

factors that impacted student success online, teachers readily agreed that student intrinsic drive

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or motivation leads to success. Almost every teacher interviewed noted that without student

motivation to complete the course, success was hindered in the online class.

Besides motivation, as discussed previously, teachers added some other internal

characteristics of importance. A collective agreement was on the concept of age as it relates to

maturity but also motivation. P2, P7, and P16 believed that age-linked to the level of maturity,

which positively influences success. P8 and P14 disagreed, stating that older students are often

less successful due to their lack of motivation and learned procrastination.

Other internal factors of note included students’ organizational skills. Frequently noted

was the concept that “organization is key to online success” (P3, P6, P10, P12). Gender

differences in terms of focus where females tended to do better in the online environment

compared to that of their male students were also noted (P5, P7, P9, P15). P7 and P10 stated that

the IQ of students could help success as well as the type of personality as described by P9 and

P15. P17, P19, and P20 also reminded that learning styles impacted how well students

understand the online content.

Q3. How do teachers perceive the relationship between student characteristics and

other factors such as technology literacy, course design, instructor interaction, and so forth,

on students’ success? As far as the relationship between internal factors and external factors,

most participants felt that the factors worked together to help or hinder student success. P7 noted

that “the external factors help the external factors.” P4 stated that success is better with “all

factors working together. P16 said that the “factors work together, but students can overcome the

lack of one to succeed.” However, P1 stated that “parent support is the most important in

determining success.” This showed that without a support system, the student lacked the

necessary tools for success. P9 and P14 disagreed, stating that internal motivation drives overall

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success. In conclusion, the researcher determined that internal and external factors worked in

conjunction to help or hinder the student in their online course.

Q4. What suggestions do teachers have for improving students’ academic

performance in online courses? Based on the teacher interviews and focus group discussion,

teachers had specific suggestions to improve students’ academic performance in online courses.

There were two major categories to improve online academic performance online. The first dealt

with the communication and relationship between teacher, student, and parent. P3, P10, and P14

noted the importance of building relationships and communication. P5 and P13 agreed that

“communication was vital to improving success.” With this suggestion, P17 reiterated the

“essential importance of relationship regarding the online environment due to the lack of face-to-

face interaction.”

Another suggestion to increase online performance in their online course focused on

additional support for students in various respects. P1 highlighted the need for teachers to

“provide support by demonstrating skills for students.” P2 felt that by demonstrating for

students, we would be “preparing them for the real world.” P4 stated that besides teacher

demonstrations, “teachers needed to provide additional help like tutoring.” P6 added that

students should be given “additional time to comprehend the material.” Another suggestion was

creating early intervention programs that would allow for the preparation of needed technology

skills, exposure to technology sooner, and focus on the needs of the child (P7, P8, P9, P12).

Other suggestions included P11, who recommended the use of “different forms for directions,”

course design as noted by P18, and additional face-to-face interaction for social skills as

highlighted by P15 and P16.

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 Chapter Summary

The study looked to uncover teachers’ perceptions of the influence of internal and

external factors of virtual education on student success. Online education has become a rising

trend to supplement education, and further understanding its long-term impact on student success

becomes of prime concern. One central research question drove the qualitative study along with

four research subquestions.

Chapter 4 provided an overview of data collection and analysis. The chapter also

highlighted any significant findings. Chapter 4 described the sample population used to conduct

the interviews and the focus group discussion. After the collection of data and two rounds of

coding, the researcher outlined the summary of findings and conclusions.

There were two sources of data for the study. The two sources were used for cross-

examination of information to provide reliability. The individual teacher interviews occurred

before the focus group discussion. Both the interview and the focus group discussion provided

valuable insight into teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors that influence

online student success. By comparing the two sources of data, the researcher determined specific

internal and external factors that teachers’ perceived to be of importance to online student

success.

Significant findings showed significant themes and significant emergent themes.

Significant themes emerged due to the frequency of the internal or external factors mentioned by

the participants. Teachers perceived that students with an internal drive or motivation were

essential to the success of students in their online courses. The answers from the interviews and

focus group discussion also showed that external factors, such as teacher support and parent

support, played a significant role in online student success. The conclusion from these findings,

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highlighted that internal and external factors work in conjunction to bolster or impede online

student success. From the data collected from the individual teacher interviews and the focus

group discussion, the central research question, along with the subquestions, were answered.

From data collected, Chapter 5 determines major conclusions and discusses the impact of the

study within the contemporary literature. Chapter 5 also suggest recommendations for further

research as well as implications on future school and district practices and policies within the

virtual education world.

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 Chapter 5: Discussions and Conclusions

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external

factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. Chapter 5 provides a

summary of the results, discusses the results, and interprets data as it relates to the current

literature and the study’s purpose. Chapter 5 notes the limitations of the study and concludes how

the findings from the study impact future practices and policies within the virtual sphere. The

researcher provides recommendations for further research on the topic of study.

Summary of the Results

The study sought to understand teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors

that impact student success in their online classes. The research used two sources of data

collection: individual teacher interviews and a focus group discussion. The two sources of data

were used for cross-examination of information. The use of the two sources of data were due to

the researcher’s aim for consistent findings to support the purpose of the study. The summary of

both the individual teacher interviews and the focus group discussion are outlined below. The

teacher interviews highlighted teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors that

influence student success in their online courses. The focus group discussion yielded similar

results while also delving into an in-depth conversation on the support systems in place to

increase student academic online achievement.

Interview Findings

Through two rounds of coding, the researcher determined several conclusions. Data

showed general themes based on teacher perception of the external and internal factors that

influence online student achievement. General themes emphasized student characteristics,

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student access to technology, student exposure to technology, and the outside environment of the

student. From those general themes, high-frequency responses from teacher perceptions on

external and internal factors highlighted significant themes. Those significant themes included

student motivation/drive in academics, teacher support of the students, communication of

stakeholders involved in student success, and parent support and homelife. Other subthemes of

interest included the technology proficiency of students, organizational skills, learning styles,

technology exposure, and extracurricular activities of students.

Student motivation/drive in academics. Within the individual interviews and the focus

group discussion, student motivation/drive in academics was a common identified internal factor

perceived by teachers. Participants stated that without student motivation or drive, success in the

online course is challenging. Students need to have the drive to succeed, especially in the online

environment, due to the responsibilities of the student within their virtual course. “Motivation is

the foundation on the road to online student success in their coursework” (P18).

During the interviews, teachers frequently related student drive and motivation to a

student’s overall drive in life. Students that were motivated to achieve in other areas in their life

also tended to want to achieve in academics. P13 stated, “Drive in all things” leads to the success

of the student. As teachers mentioned, if someone wants something, they will work for it.

Therefore, if a student wants to be successful in the course, they will strive for it and more than

likely attain it.

Teacher support of the student. Teacher perceptions also noted the importance of

teacher communication and support to bolster student online academic achievement. Teachers

are needed to support students in their learning by assisting in questions on course content. The

“course teacher can have a profound impact on student success in their online class,” P12 said.

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Teachers should also demonstrate learning for students to help facilitate their learning. Because

the student is self-teaching, teachers must help with questions and a deep understanding of

course content. P2 felt that by demonstrating for students, we would be “preparing them for the

real world.” Teachers should provide feedback that is relevant to the student and guide the

student to success. If teacher support is missing, the student may become lost.

Communication of all stakeholders involved in student success. In the online

environment, teachers need to form the foundation of the student’s support system in providing

feedback and other communication for matters of importance. This communication includes

building relationships between the student and the parent. Constant feedback and communication

will allow for a personal connection leading to higher confidence levels. Through relationship

building, the student will continue to build confidence, which might help in their overall success.

The unique nature of virtual education means that teachers need to be more present for the

student.

Parent support of the student. Parent support and involvement was another theme

frequent in data. Parent support included involvement in the student’s academics. The more

active the parent is involved in their academic life, the more successful the student. Parent

support allows for higher confidence levels. “Family life often dictates the success of a child,”

P13 stated. Teachers perceived that the students who tended to do well in online courses had

parents who cared about their education. These parents modeled the importance of education and

helped the students succeed. P20 concluded, “Parents shape the desire of the student to succeed

and therefore impacts their success online.”

Home life of the student. Participants stated that students needed to have a home life

that created an environment that set up the student for success. The student’s home life could

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help with intrinsic drive and motivation and, therefore, success in the online environment. This

significantly related to parent support. P7 took parent involvement a step further by highlighting

the fact that “homelife shaped student motivation.” If education was modeled as necessary at

home, students were more likely to be with it.

Other important external/internal factors. Further analysis of data highlighted other

internal and external factors based on teacher perception. Some internal factors teachers

perceived as impactful on online success included the organizational skills of the student, their

proficiency with technology, and the students learning style. Student characteristics often had a

central role in their online success.

Teachers also noted external factors like early access to technology and the

extracurricular activities of the student. Teachers stated that the early exposure of students to

technology, the more proficient and comfortable they were navigating the course. Student’s

schedules outside the class also impacted students who had trouble balancing their outside

activities. The teacher interviews highlighted the need to understand further the impact online

learning has on student success.

Focus Group Discussion Findings

Teachers in the focus group discussion explored the internal and external factors that

influenced student success in their online coursework with a detailed assessment of the most

impactful factors. Four core questions drove the discussion. From the discussion, the participants

provided useful insights into the perceived internal and external factors that impact online

student success. The focus group discussion also highlighted the perception of teachers on

administrative support and suggested ways to improve student success through administrative

support.

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 Teacher perceived internal and external factors. The focus group discussion

highlighted teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors that influence virtual

students. The unanimous agreement within the focus group discussion was that motivation was

an essential internal factor that determined online success. Also, of note were external factors of

the home life of the student, teacher support, and parent support. P7 stated, “Homelife can

heavily impact students’ academic goals.” P17 agreed that “support systems were necessary for

student success.” Communication and support systems were also discussed as necessary. Much

like the individual teacher interviews, the focus group discussion highlighted that no one-factor

predetermined success. Teachers agreed that internal and external factors often worked together

to help student success.

Administrative support and suggestions for online student success. The focus group

discussion also dived into the topic of administrative support of teachers. The discussion yielded

a relative agreement that there was a primary support system put into place. However, there were

suggestions to improve the administrative support of teachers for student support that included

an increase in communication between not only the parent, student, and teacher but other

stakeholders such as administration and the need for additional resources that would help the

student success.

Discussions of Results

The study highlighted perceptions of teachers on the internal and external factors that

impacted online student success. The significant themes that became relevant included student

motivation and drive in academics, communication of all stakeholders involved, teachers’

support of the student, parent support of the student, and student homelife. Based on these

perceptions, the researcher was able to answer the research questions at the center of the study

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and reach conclusions based on data. The researcher determined that online learning can

genuinely be student-centered based on teachers’ perceptions and identified internal and external

factors of note that impact student success online.

Student-Centered Learning

Even before the collection of data, it was apparent from the previous literature that online

education was unique. The unique nature of virtual learning is due to the student-centered

approach. Online coursework is education based on student interaction with online course

content. In this environment, students are more responsible for their education than in the

traditional brick and mortar. Unlike in the traditional brick and mortar, online students are in

charge of their learning, and teachers are the facilitators. The data from this study showed several

teacher perceptions of internal student characteristics and student external environmental

influences that impacted their learning online. This data relates to the necessity of courses to

meet the needs of online learners and therefore be student-centered.

Once data were collected, different internal and external factors that impact student

success online were highlighted. The highest frequency answer was the perception of teachers

that online achievement was significantly due to the motivation or drive of the student. P18 said,

“motivation or self-drive accounted for the foundation for success.” If the student has no intrinsic

motivation to succeed, the ability to complete an online course successfully went relatively

downward (P1, P2, P4, P8). P1 declared that “if there is a desire to succeed, it will happen.” In

agreement was P14, who stated that students needed inner “intrinsic drive.”

The individual interviews and focus group discussion reiterated that drive within the

online environment was a significant internal factor to online student success. P11 added that

“motivation tied to a student’s perseverance which could also be linked to external factors.”

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Along with internal drive, teachers emphasized the essential need for parent/guardian support for

online student success. As mentioned by P11, “internal perseverance of drive could be shaped by

parental support.”

In agreement with the significant role parent support played in the success of the student

in their course, P3 and P12 noted how parents form the basis of student characteristics. P7 stated

the “desire to succeed stems from the home life and the support the parent gives the student.”

This data showcased the importance of student characteristics and related to student-centered

learning. In this learning method, students drive their education, much like in their virtual

coursework.

Student-centered learning also focuses on external factors to support student success.

Support in the online environment is also essential for the student to achieve academically.

Teachers perceived that parent support was not only needed but also teacher support. In the

online course, students need the teacher to support and communicate directions and information.

P17 implored for the “need to have teachers continue to build relationships with students and

parents.” P14 stated that “along with intrinsic characteristics, the teacher plays a major role in

student success online.”

Other internal and external factors were of importance to online student achievement.

The research continued to support the fact that online education can indeed be student-centered if

it is personalized based on student characteristics. Teachers in the study explained certain

internal factors such as student’s ethnicity and personality as crucial to their success. P12 said

that “based on ethnicity, students are either set up for success of failure.” Both P9 and P15 felt

that “individual personalities, such as introverts, tended to struggle more in the online

environment due to the lack of communication to describe their needs.”

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 Student-centered learning in an online environment could occur based on teachers’

perceptions of certain external factors that impact student success in the online class. P8 talked

about the importance of the digital literacy of students. P19 and P20 thought course design

hindered or helped student achievement. Still, other teachers thought exposure to technology

created the foundation for success, as determined by Participant 16. What these results suggest is

the need to design courses with student characteristics in mind in order to create student-centered

courses.

External Factors and Online Student Success

Teachers perceived several external factors that impact students’ academic performance

in online courses. These identified external factors could help determine specific barriers to

online courses. From the teacher interviews, several external factors came to light. A common

factor that emerged was that of parent support. Parental support was the top external factor that

teachers perceived as critical to student success. Parent support of the student links to how well a

student does within their online coursework. Parents often model behaviors that students adopt.

Therefore, if the parent models the importance of education, the student more than likely will

find their education valuable.

Along with parent support was the idea of the partnership between the student, parent,

and teacher. Thus, teacher support was necessary for terms of motivation and communication.

The relationship between teacher, parent, and student created a solid foundation for online

student success. P7 took parent involvement a step further by highlighting the fact that “homelife

shaped student motivation.” Therefore, parent support with a balanced home life allows students

to flourish in education. A child that is set up for success will more than likely succeed.

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 Another repeated external factor throughout interviews and within the focus group

discussion was that, of course, design. Course design, as mentioned before, can help create

student-centered learning in the online environment. P3 suggested the need to “mainstream

courses for general understanding.” P4 believed that course design was the main factor for

success. P17 agreed and added that courses should be “engaging and relatable.” Course design

could be the difference between student success and failure.

As with previous studies, the study highlighted that student access to needed technology

was essential for success. P16 spoke about early exposure to technology while P5, P7, and P20

spoke of the importance of access to Wi-Fi, especially at home. This relates to the economic

background of students and their access to IT. P9 and P18 thought extracurricular activities and

the student’s ability to balance might impact student success online while P13 and P17 stated

that technology proficiency was also crucial to the completion of online courses. These

perceptions helped to further the conversation on the barriers facing online students.

Internal Factors and Online Student Success

The study also showed several internal factors that teachers perceived to influence online

success. Identifying internal characteristics could again help in designing online course content

to meet the needs of such learners. While discussing internal factors that impacted student

success online, teachers readily agreed that student intrinsic drive or motivation led to success.

Almost every teacher interviewed mentioned that without student motivation to complete the

course, success was hindered in the online class. Thus, the data show that student motivation is

essential, and thus course content should be designed to help with student drive.

Besides motivation, as discussed previously, teachers added some other internal

characteristics of importance. A collective agreement was on the concept of age as it relates to

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maturity but also motivation. P2, P7, and P16 believed that age-linked to the level of maturity,

which positively influences success. P8 and P14 disagreed, stating that older students are often

less successful due to their lack of motivation and learned procrastination.

Other internal factors of note included students’ organizational skills. Frequently noted

was the concept that “organization is key to online success” (P3, P6, P10, P12). Gender

differences in terms of focus where females tended to do better in the online environment

compared to that of their male students were also noted (P5, P7, P9, P15). P7 and P10 stated that

the IQ of students could help success as well as the type of personality as described by P9 and

P15. P17, P19, and P20 also reminded that learning styles impacted how well students

understand the online content. All these noted characteristics can help stakeholders determine

how to reach all types of learners based on their personal qualities.

Inferences

From these results, the researcher concluded that the student motivation and drive within

academics was an overreaching internal factor in their success online. The researcher also noted

that parent and teacher support of the student were external factors that could create an

“environment and support system to bolster online student achievement” (P5). Common trends

the researcher highlighted included the fact that no one factor was the underlying reason, based

on teacher perceptions, of student success in their online coursework.

Based on the teacher responses, the researcher concluded that parent support and student

homelife were significant external factors that impact the success of online students. Support

systems at home were necessary to create “confidence in the student to succeed” (P6). The

researcher also determined that early access to technology and access to IT at home could impact

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how successful a student was in their online course. If the student “lacks the resources” (P20),

they will have a significant barrier to their online learning.

What these results presented was the fact that student characteristics play a role in how

well a student succeeds in their online coursework. The researcher understood the need for

student motivation but determined the need to explore further specific student characteristics that

impact a student in their online courses. The researcher, therefore, concluded that within the

online environment, students need a solid support foundation formed by both parent and teacher

as well as additional resources to boost their academic success. In the future of virtual education,

the continued need to elicit the suggestions of teachers for recommendations to improve the

online sphere and course design will be essential to reaching all student learners.

Due to the participant’s background as virtual teachers, the results yielded common

perceptions due to their role within the school. The teacher’s academic interaction with students

highlights the understanding of the various barriers that impact a student’s success. Taken from

the viewpoint of individuals who have constant contact with students, a deep comprehension of

the difficulty students face within their online coursework is more apparent and relevant.

Discussion of the Results in Relation to the Literature

At the center of this study was to identify teacher perceptions of external and internal

factors that impact student online learning. Due to the increase in students participating in

distanced education, understanding the impact such virtual learning has had on student success

becomes of critical importance. The research sought to understand how different factors

influence academic achievement in the online environment. Contemporary literature shows focus

on the concern of the overall effectiveness of online learning. Studies ranged for implementing

evaluation systems to determine technology effectiveness in student learning as well as

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determining the comprehension of such learners in online coursework. Concerning the literature,

the results of the study suggested the continuation of discussions on topics such as the relevance

of course design, student access to technology, and barriers to online learners.

Relevance of online course design and student interaction. Several studies that

focused on the online environment looked at the evolving landscape of the virtual educational

world. Besides just a concern for the long-term impact online education is having on students,

researchers sought to understand the relationship between course design and student interaction.

It was found that learners interacted with courses that were relevant to their everyday use of

technology like their social media accounts (Friedman & Weiser, 2004). Through identifying

relevant applications, student interaction with course content could increase and thus increase

success.

The research conducted in this study yielded similar conclusions as teachers perceived

that course design and use of specific applications led to a trend of positive results for student

interaction within their course. If courses are poorly designed, students might lack the motivation

to complete the course. If the course design is user-friendly, students will be able to navigate the

course and more likely to succeed. The study highlighted teachers’ perceptions that course

design must be easily navigable as not to create another barrier to online student learning.

Therefore, the study adds to the contemporary literature suggesting the need to study course

design’s impact on student success and use data to design future courses.

Teachers in the study felt that course design was an external factor that impacted student

success. Courses should be user-friendly and navigable. Teachers stated that course design

should be relevant to students, such as the incorporation of current social media. Relevant course

design tended to yield positive student interaction in the course. Course design could be a barrier

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to students if poorly designed. The online educational sphere is ever-evolving, and so should

course design. Student interaction with their online course can provide data relevant to designing

accessible courses. Using current social media trends and implementing these tools in courses

could impact student learners. Course design should be relevant to student interest as it provides

a positive interaction.

Access and exposure to technology. The impact of virtual school is of continued

importance to contemporary literature. A primary concern of online education raises the question

of access to needed technology resources. In several studies, research showed that students who

had access to IT resources in their home environments tended to be more successful with

technology-based learning (Hew & Tan, 2017). Data collected showed a positive trend of

success when students had home access to resources such as the internet, Wi-Fi, computer, and

exposure at an earlier age.

Data collected in this study reflected such thoughts with perceptions and teacher

suggestions of early intervention programs to expose students to technology. Teachers also

explained the need to provide all students access to the technology that is needed to be successful

with virtual coursework. The common perception of the teachers in the study showed that

students who had the technology at home were more comfortable with the technology and thus

able to navigate the course. Thus, the study adds to the literature by stating the importance of IT

access for online students.

Accessibility to necessary technology was of prime concern based on teacher perception.

Students needed to have access to IT at home and other technology such as Wi-Fi, and so forth.

Early exposure to technology was also an external factor that teachers perceived to be of high

importance to their success. Previous studies noted the importance of IT access and technology

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for all students. Literature explored the impact home access to technology had on student success

and showed a positive trend if students had the necessary resources. Digital literacy increased if

students had early exposure to technology, which links to online success in courses.

Barriers to online learning. Many researchers suggest that online student success was

determined through specific student characteristics. Through different types of data collection,

certain features appeared to impact student completion in online courses (Yu, 2016).

Such characteristics highlighted student interaction within their courses. Student interaction in

their course had a positive or negative trend in student success, depending on the amount of

interaction (Yu, 2016).

This relates to the concept of self-regulation. In agreement with this conclusion, many of

the participants in this study noted the importance of student motivation (a student characteristic)

as a determining factor for online achievement. This relates to previous literature that explores

student characteristics within the virtual sphere. When asked to list the main factors impacting a

student’s online success, participants in the study continually commented on the essential impact

of student drive as a significant component of completion.

Not all research, however, agreed on the idea that students solely determine their success

in online courses. Other studies note that different external factors create barriers for online

learners (Berge & Muilenburg, 2005). Participants in this study related to this as well.

Participants explained that student drive, though the main factor did not always determine

success. External factors such as support systems created by parents and teachers often showed

positive impacts on online students.

Overall, on the question to determine how online education has impacted the success of

students, studies have varied on pinpointing precisely what factors that may be hindering or

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helping achievement. Within the current conversation, this study added to the list of identified

potential factors highlighting the importance of student intrinsic motivation and external factors

of exposure and access to technology as well as formed support systems. Teacher participants

listed some student characteristics that were internal factors that had an impact on student

success online. The drive/motivation of students was listed as a significant student characteristic.

Previous literature noted the importance of identifying student characteristics that influence

online success. LMS data helps show student interaction with their course. Much like the study’s

results, student motivation (positive interaction) in the course showed a positive trend in their

overall success.

Limitations

The qualitative study examined teachers’ perceptions at a virtual school on what student

characteristics and other external factors impact academic achievement in online courses. The

qualitative research had some limitations. One major limitation is that due to a small sample size

in a case study, the findings could not be generalized to a larger population. Another limitation

was the fact that teacher answers could not be assumed to be honest answers but only taken for

honest answers. If answers were not honest, they might have skewed the results of the study.

A limitation that was noted before the study began was the proficiency of the English

language of teachers in the interview. This limitation was not an issue, as all participants spoke

English at an idiomatic level. However, the wording of the interview questions was a limitation.

To determine the validity of the interview questions, the researcher conducted a field-test of the

interview questions before initial interviews. One major delimitation included the fact that the

interview was only a given point in time and could only be used for the short-term analysis of the

target population.

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 Implication of the Results for Practice, Policy, and Theory

The study looked to understand teacher’s perceptions of the internal and external factors

that impacted students in distance education and their overall academic success. The accessibility

of online courses has increased the population of online learners. With this increase in

population, research needs to examine the long-term impact virtual courses are having on student

success. Data collected in this study highlighted several external and internal factors perceived

by teachers to impact online achievement. The study added to the contemporary literature that

not only impacts students in the online courses but educators, administrators, and other

stakeholders. Understanding online influence on students connects to the implementation of best

practices to reach the ever-growing population of online learners (Friedman & Weiser, 2004).

Practice

Based on the study’s findings, the researcher, as a current virtual instructor, can use data

to implement and integrate resources within the online classroom and the study site of CCVS. To

begin with, the school in which the researcher currently teaches, services an incredibly diverse

student population. The demographics of the CCPS student body are as follows: roughly 40%

Hispanic, 25% White, 25% Black, 5% Asian and, 5% Multi-Cultural. This diverse student

population helped the researcher to understand if specific student demographic characteristics

impact the success within online courses.

The study findings will help the researcher improve teaching practice in online classes.

Using the results of the study, the researcher determined that student home life impacted online

success. The researcher plans to explore each student’s background to determine the necessary

support systems to employ. This would include helping the student with the motivation to

complete the course. The researcher will also continue to study best practices to reach diverse

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student populations. Through continued extensive research, the researcher can, therefore, impact

student success in online courses.

Along with the understanding and implementing best practices, the researcher will work

on continuing to build relationships with students and parents in order to form support systems

for the student. This is based on the teachers’ perceptions of the study that repeatedly mentioned

the importance of such relationship building. Teachers perceived the communication between all

stakeholders were of the grave importance of student success online. The researcher will find

ways to improve communication with students and parents. The study will also help the

researcher implement new support systems within the online course framework to support

student success. The study’s findings can also be used by educational leaders in the future

construction of virtual courses. The researcher can use data from the study to implement best

practices and better understand the barriers that online students face within their environment.

Policy

By sharing these results with the study site administrators, policies to motivate students in

their online coursework, and additional resources can be implemented. The research conducted

in this study can be implemented into the CCPS School & District Continuous Improvement

Plan. School & District Continuous Improvement plans follow a typical cycle of implementation

for best practices with school districts across the nation. Each step is an essential process in the

continuous development of school districts, and this research can help with the trend in online

learning. The School & District Continuous Improvement Plan includes the following steps:

schools/district sets a shared vision, schools/district access needs, schools/district create a

strategic plan to reach the vision, schools/district implement the strategic plan, schools/district

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monitor, evaluates and adjust the strategic plan based on data collected. The cycle is continuous

and can include the upward trend of online education to complement traditional coursework.

The study’s focus on teacher’s perceptions of internal/external factors that impact online

student learners highlighted their constant interaction with students. This interaction was

essential to understanding factors that influence students in the online environment and thus

implement best practices. If schools look to understand the impact of virtual learning, policies

could be put in place to design courses with best practices in mind and increase academic success

(Bobeva et al., 2015). With increasing awareness of online course structure and practices, student

achievement overall will lead to significant growth. Accessing the impact online learning has had

on students in various areas can help shed light on the creation of future courses as the trend for

online education increases (Yu, 2016).

The data presented here could be used in the CCPS School & District Continuous

Improvement Plan. The current trend of CCPS requires students to participate in two or more

online courses along with their traditional coursework. This is a district-wide graduation policy.

Using the data collected, CCPS can use the identified internal and external factors to implement

further policy. The current shared vision of the county is that students are exposed to technology

through online courses that help them prepare for their future careers.

With this vision in mind, CCPS needs to access the need for its diverse population. Of the

significant areas of concern, accessibility is the current need of the student population. CCPS

should lead with this need and create a plan to increase the accessibility of IT to its students.

Students in the district are assigned a school computer but may lack the necessary Wi-Fi to

access course content. By investigating this, the district can find ways in which to provide

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students with the IT to be successful in their online coursework. The study highlighted the

importance of home access IT to student success.

Regarding the study site, the research can help the school to implement new policies for

best practices. The teachers’ perceptions of the internal and external factors that impact student

success relate to the diverse population in which they serve. The researcher can share the data

collected with the site administrators for the future design of course content. By highlighting the

student characteristics that impact online success, course design can tailor and personalize

courses to meet the learner’s needs.

Administrators can also share the positive impact teacher communication has on student

success. By sharing such information, teachers can improve their communication with both

students and parents and increase student academic success. New school policies regarding

communication between stakeholders could be implemented. This would include communication

between the teacher, parent, student, and administration. By strengthening these support systems,

student confidence will increase, and student success plans can genuinely be personalized. The

study can be used as the foundation for change to help the success of online learners.

Theory

These findings relate to the theories presented in the literature review. With the results of

the study, theories can be used to increase the online achievement of students. These theories

include social cognitive theory, learning theory, behaviorist philosophy of learning, and

information processing theory. An in-depth analysis of the internal and external factors that

influence students in their online coursework correlate with social cognitive theory and

behaviorist philosophy of learning.

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 The social cognitive theory outlines learning (in this case, within the virtual world) due to

interaction in the student’s environment. If stakeholders are aware of the external and internal

factors the impact online success, course design can help lead to educational equality within the

virtual sphere as the online environment (cognitive learning) will be crafted to meet the needs of

all learners. Course design is of importance as it can help or hinder a student’s success. How

students interact with their course can display how they learn in the virtual sphere. By focusing

on course design, stakeholders can use social cognitive theory (how students learn in specific

environments) and design accessible courses for all creating educational equality.

This is also true using the lens of the behaviorist philosophy of learning. Much like the

social cognitive theory, the behaviorist philosophy of learning is based on learning in terms of

demonstrating wanted behaviors within the online environment. Once teachers and

administrators understand the student characteristics or behaviors that lead to success in the

online environment, best practices can be put into place. Best practices will tailor the behaviors

students need to be successful in the online environment.

The results of the research were significant in terms of helping a variety of stakeholders

to reconsider students’ challenges in online education (Githens et al., 2012). The study

highlighted internal factors such as student characteristics that teachers perceived to impact

online success. By understanding these student characteristics, desired behaviors can be modeled

by online teachers. Best practices using the behaviorist philosophy of learning can be

implemented in the online environment. This can thus create digital inclusion of all students with

proper modeling. The study added to the understanding of the external factors or internal

characteristics that bolster or hinder student success in the online environment and show the

achievement gaps within virtual coursework.

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 The highlighted data related to the theories of learning theory and information processing

theory presented in the literature review. Both theories explore the different ways in which

individuals learn and process information. In recent years, these theories have been used to

understand how students are learning in the virtual sphere. Further practices and policies can use

the study to examine the relationship between student achievement and internal/external factors

in the online environment.

By using the lens of learning theory and information processing theory, policies can be

put into place to provide students with resources that will lead to higher achievement based on

their learning needs. Teachers in the study noted the importance of understanding that students

all learn differently. The need to tailor online courses for these different learners is essential. The

study showed the different internal factors that impacted student success, such as their learning

style. By using the information processing theory, stakeholders can see how students learn and

prepare courses for digital literacy.

Recommendations for Further Research

In this study, the researcher adopted a qualitative method with a case study design to

explore teachers’ perceptions on the external and internal factors that impact student online

academic success. The literature review suggested that more research needs to be conducted on

the long-term impacts that virtual education has had on student academic achievement. Due to

the increase in online learners and the various needs of these learners, further studies could

benefit the future on the design of the online curriculum.

Future studies could be conducted to include all K–12 online schools and look at the

impact on students’ academic growth. Future studies can also be expanded beyond K–12 to

cover community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. Through researching online

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education’s impact on all levels of education, additional knowledge can be used to increase

student success online.

Further research could base studies on students’ perceptions of internal and external

factors that impact their online learning. Researchers could use a qualitative research case study

design with interviews or journaling, much like this study. The research could also be

quantitative based on the impact of the external and internal factors in online learning through

instrumentation, such as surveys sent out to students or other stakeholders as well as

experimental design. Future research could also be conducted in mixed methods approach to

look at both sides of the stories from administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

The research was a snapshot in time of a given virtual school by its population of

teachers. By conducting other long-term studies on other schools based in different geographical

regions, grade levels, and demographics, the impact of online coursework on students could be

readily accessed. Teachers will, therefore, be able to use contemporary research to ascertain the

influence of virtual courses on their students and determine best practices in which to implement

to improve online learning. The research determined that certain external and internal factors

were perceived by teachers to impact online academic achievement. Thus, longitudinal studies

across different demographic online schools could highlight specific factors in which to focus on

and use such to design future courses. The researcher recommends that future researchers can

replicate the study using other methods, settings, and participants.

Conclusion

Virtual education and student academic achievement in online courses are at the forefront

of educational research (Caranikas-Walker et al., 2011) due to the increase in technology. The

need to understand further implications it has on students (Cheung & Slavin, 2013) could be

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based on teachers’ perceptions since they will be at the forefront of implementation. Best

practices can thus be implemented to meet the needs of the ever-increasing population of online

learners.

The problem that drove the research was the fact that full-time virtual students often

showed less learning gains than their traditional counterparts. The study was driven to determine

teacher’s perceptions of the impact of internal and external factors of online education on

academic achievement. With the rise of students partaking in virtual courses to supplement their

traditional coursework, the researcher sought to investigate the impact of online education on

student success. The study sought to highlight specific internal and external factors that influence

the success of online students.

The study began with a current overview of the problem and the purpose of the study.

Contemporary literature was examined for trends in determining the impact of virtual education.

Research showed that student interaction in their online coursework was of considerable

importance (Ismail & Siti, 2012), including various features and factors that influenced students’

achievement in the virtual environment (Boyer et al., 2008). The researcher sought to develop

further the current conversation on virtual education with the study. The theoretical framework

for this study consisted of the learning theory in distance education, behaviorist philosophy of

learning, information processing theory, and social cognitive theory

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external

factors influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. The central research

question was: what factors do teachers perceive as a significant impact on online students’

success? The qualitative research method was implored using a case study design. Data were

collected from two sources: individual teach interviews and a focus group discussion. From the

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collection of data, five significant themes occurred. These significant themes were: student

motivation/drive in academics, teacher support for online students, communication between

stakeholders for student success, parent support of the student, and home life of the student.

The researcher chose a qualitative case study design to examine the virtual school, Coral

County Virtual School (pseudonym), and interview a sample of the teacher population as to what

they perceived as external and internal factors that impact online students. The researcher

expected that through data collection through the teacher interviews and the focus group

discussion, various teacher perceptions on factors influencing students’ achievement in virtual

courses were measured and examined. The two sources of data collection were to ensure the

validity and reliability of the information.

Through data collected, the researcher determined significant themes of internal factors

such as motivation and drive of the student performance in the online environment as well as

external factors of support systems to provide additional assistance for student success. The

findings of this study as aforementioned presented five significant themes: student

motivation/drive in academics, teacher support for online students, communication between

stakeholders for student success, parent support of the student, and home life of the student.

Common teachers’ perceptions included that students with an internal drive or motivation were

essential to the success of students in their online courses. External factors, such as teacher

support and parent support, were also noted as playing a significant role in online student

success. The data from both the focus group discussion and the individual interviews helped

highlight internal and external factors that impact student success.

With these external and internal factors, the researcher suggested ways in which to

improve online success through helping students with motivation within their online courses as

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well as create support systems for students in their virtual coursework. The overall implication of

the study determined that there were significant factors based on teacher’s perceptions that can

help or hinder student success in their online environment. Thoroughly understanding these

factors can help teachers and all stakeholders construct and drive course design and support

systems to improve student success.

The researcher outlined different ways the Coral Country Public School District, and the

study site, Coral County Virtual School, could implement best practices based on the study’s

data. Of note was the impact such data could have on the future policies of the district and the

construction of courses to meet the growing population of online learners in the virtual school

and the school district. The researcher suggests a longitudinal study for future research to

determine the impact such internal and external factors have on student success online.

The implication of this study highlights the need for all stakeholders to evaluate the

impact of online courses and redesign courses to meet the needs of students. The

recommendation for further research includes expanding the scope of the study to understand

online learning’s impact on other student populations, including student populations across the

United States, along with countries around the world. The researcher will integrate the findings

to teaching practice in the online school. The researcher will also share the findings with the

principal and school district superintendent as well as present the findings in the conference in

future. Hopefully, the findings can help educational leaders, administrators, teachers,

stakeholders, parents, and students understand internal and external factors influencing students’

academic performance in online school as well as improve the system to help students learn

more in the virtual environment.

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 Appendix A: Previous Research

Year Author Title Research Research Findings

Question Method Design
2004 Gartland, Case Method Greater Qualitative Although more
M., & Learning: student research must
Field, T. Online diversity be
done to
Exploration and measure the
and greater ultimate and
Collaboration educationa long-term
for l effectiveness
Multicultural standardiz of the case
Education ation
dra study method,
ws the including its
need for online
innovative application,
approache current
s philosophy and
for
teach studies
er indicate that
preparatio the
employm
n. ent of cases in
teacher
preparation
can be
as
valuable
as it is in law,
business, and
other fields.
2005 Muilenbur Student How can Qualitative Independent
g, L. Y., & barriers to we focus variables that
Berge, Z. online on significantly
L. learning: A individual affected
factor analytic difference student ratings
study s among of these barrier
students to factors
increase included:
our
abili gender, age,
ty to ethnicity, type
design of learning
instruction institution,
, to self-rating of
improve online learning
how we skills,
instruct, effectiveness
and to of learning

126
 advise online, online
students? learning
enjoyment,
prejudicial
treatment in
traditional
classes, and
the number of
online courses
completed.
2010 Razak, R. Improving How does Mixed-Method Results of t-
A., & See, academic online tests indicated
Y. C. achievement peer that the
and learning experimental
motivation enhance group reported
through students’ a significant
online peer academic difference in
learning achieveme motivation and
nt and that this
facilitating subsequently
their contributed to
motivation a significant
? difference in
academic
achievement.
2012 González- Gender Understan Qualitative Female
Gómez, F., differences in ding students are
Guardiola, e-learning Gender more satisfied
J., satisfaction difference than male
Rodríguez, s and how students in the
Ó M., & these e-learning
Alonso, M. difference subjects.
Á. s can help Female give
to more
restructure importance to
courses to planning of
meet these learning and
needs? contact with
the teacher.
2012 Artino, A. Exploring the How do Qualitative Results
R., & complex personal generally
Jones, K. relations factors support the
D. between influence theoretical
achievement success in assumptions of
emotions and online control-value
self-regulated contexts? theory.

127
 learning Findings
behaviors in suggest that
online emotions are
learning linked to self-
regulated
learning
behaviors.
Emotions
labeled as
“negative” can
potentially
produce
“positive”
outcomes.
2012 Jost, B., Academic Does GPA Quantitative The results of
Rude- Performance, indicate the analysis
Parkins, C., Age, Gender, student indicated that
& Githens, and Ethnicity success? only
R. P. in Online cumulative
G
Courses PA was a
Delivered by significant
2-Year predictor.
Colleges.
Community
College
2013 Ke, Constructs of What are Qualitative The results
Fengfeng, Student- the indicated that
and Dean Centered barriers five key
Kwak. Online that constructs of
Learning on impact student-
Learning online centered
Satisfaction student learning in
of a Diverse learning? online
Online courses—
Student Body: learner
A Structural relevance,
Equation active learning,
Modeling authentic
Approach learning,
learner
autonomy, and
computer
technology
competence—
predicted
students’

128
 perceived
satisfaction
with online
courses and
web-based
distance
education at a
statistically
significant
level.
2013 Loftus, J. Improving How can Qualitative The program
Technology technolog met the goal of
Literacy and y be used creating a
Skills Among beyond formative
Minority the experience for
Nursing classroom minority
Students ? students by
using handheld
technology to
increase
students’
access to
technology and
by providing
high-quality
information
sources to
improve
informatics
literacy.
2013 Cheung, A. The How does Quantitative Consistent
C., & effectiveness educationa with the more
Slavin, R. of educational l impact recent reviews,
E. technology student the findings
applications learning? suggest
that
for enhancing educational
mathematics technology
achievement applications
in K–12 generally
classrooms: A produced a
meta-analysis positive,
though modest,
in comparison
to traditional
methods.

129
2013 Gatchair, Race/Ethnicit How can Quantitative African
S. y and we help Americans,
Education educationa Hispanics, and
Effects on l gaps others continue
Employment between to lag whites
in High ethnicity and
Asians
Technology groups? in the level of
Industries and educational
Occupations attainment,
in the US, particularly in
1992–2002 S&E studies
despite
maki
ng educational
gains since the
mid-1970s
2013 Kim, M. S. Technology- How does Qualitative The
Mediated technolog technology-
Collaborative y learning mediated
Learning support collaborative
Environments young learning
for Young CLD environment
Culturally and children’s supported
Linguistically affective, young CLD
Diverse social and children’s
Children: cognitive affective,
Vygotsky needs? social and
Revisited cognitive
needs and
created
meaning-
centered
collaborative
learning
environments
2014 CIGDEM, Effects of What Qualitative In order to
Harun, and Students’ skills do learn, the
Osman Characteristic students student will
Gazi s on Online need to be need internet
YILDIRIM Learning successful self-efficacy,
. Readiness: A in an learner control,
Vocational online motivation for
College course? learning, and
Example online
communicatio
n self-efficacy

130
 self-direct
learning.
2014 Ye, He. Universal Universal Qualitative One important
Design for Design for technique is
Learning in learning that the teacher
An Online has shown must have
Teacher that by confidence in
Education 2020 50% his or herself.
Course: of all high
Enhancing schools in
Learners’ the United
Confidence to States of
Teach Online. America
will be
offered an
online
class.
2014 Nieder, G. Medical Are Mixed-Method Exam scores
L., Borges, Student Use students for males were
N. J., & of Online that are significantly
Pearson, J. Lectures: highly higher than
C. Exam motivated those of
Performance, to achieve females and a
Learning success gender effect
Styles, are also was apparent
Achievement more
Motivation likely to
and Gender use
lectures?
2014 Coy, K. Special The Qualitative Online schools
Educators’ purpose of may be more
Roles as this article attractive to
Virtual is to parents of
Teachers explore a students with
changing disabilities for
set of several
competenc reasons.
ies for a
successful
transition
to online
teaching
in a virtual
school.
2015 Clarida, B. Strategies for What Qualitative Findings
H., Digital characteris suggest that

131
 Bobeva, Inclusion: tics digital
M., Towards a indicate exclusion
Hutchings, Pedagogy for digital cannot be
M., & Embracing exclusion? predicted or
Taylor, J. and dealt with by
Sustaining categorizing
Student students into
Diversity and groupings of
Engagement gender, age,
with Online ethnicity,
Learning geography,
socioeconomic
status and
educational
background.
2015 Wladis, C., Which STEM How can Quantitative Hispanic and
Hachey, A. majors enroll we Black STEM
C., & in online increase majors were
Conway, courses, and minority significantly
K. why should group’s less likely to
we care? The enrollment enroll online
impact of in online while females
ethnicity, courses at and
gender, and the same nontraditional
nontraditional rate as characteristic
student White STEM student
characteristics students, majors were
especially significantly
in STEM more likely to
Programs? enroll online.
2015 Nam, C. Effects of How can Qualitative The overall
W. Technology we find results
Immersion on methods indicated that
Middle for using after each
School digital group took part
Students’ storytellin in the
Learning g as an treatment
Opportunities instruction during online
and al strategy collaborative
Achievement for learning
improving activities,
online groups had
collaborati significantly
ve higher social
learning presence.

132
 effectiven
ess>
2015 Zlatović, Using online Can Mixed-Method Results
M., assessments Learning indicate that
Balaban, I., to stimulate strategies students’
& Kermek, learning be learning
D. strategies and stimulated strategies can
achievement by be influenced
of learning announcin in a relatively
goals g short period of
appropriat time by
e online announcing
assessmen various types
ts? of online
assessments
2015 Auvinen, Increasing How to Qualitative The results
T., Students’ increase indicate that
Hakulinen, Awareness of interaction increasing
L., & Their with students’
Malmi, L. Behavior in course awareness of
Online materials their behavior
Learning and can
have a
Environments finding positive impact
with best on their study
Visualizations practices? practices and
and results.
Achievement
Badges
2015 Shaw, A., Heritage Can social Qualitative Concluded that
& Krug, D. Meets Social media to engage
Media: sites youth such a
Designing a support site must both
Virtual sociocultu allow for and
Museum ral encourage
Space for understan participation,
Young People dings of communicatio
learning n, and
and collaboration.
identity
formation
?
2016 You, J. W. Identifying How can Quantitative Significant
(2016). significant LMS help indicators from
Identifying indicators predict the LMS data
significant using LMS student on course
indicators data to predict achieveme achievement

133
 using LMS course nt in were
data to achievement online identified.
predict in online courses?
course learning
achieveme
nt in online
learning.
The
Internet
and Higher
Education,
29, 23–30.
Doi:
10.1016/j.i
heduc.2015
.11.003
2016 Kim, G. M. Transcultural How can Qualitative Online
Digital we multimodal
Literacies: examine literacy
Cross-Border informal, practices
Connections nonlocal, allowed them
and Self- and to disrupt a
Representatio digitally notion of
ns in an mediated identity as
Online Forum literacy constituted
practices monolithically
and their according to
implicatio singular
ns for categories of
understan difference,
ding a such as race,
dynamic ethnicity, or
literacy nationality.
landscape
and
multicultu
ral and
global
learning?
2016 Tan, C. Y., Information How does Quantitative Student
& Hew, K. technology, access to achievement
F. mathematics home and benefited from
achievement school IT their access to
and resources home IT
educational impacted resources.
equity in student

134
 developed mathemati
economies cs
achieveme
nt?
2017 Gyamfi, EFL How Qualitative The results
G., & Learners’ learners’ indicated that
Sukseemua Satisfaction perception the learners
ng, P. with the s perceived
Online influence TMM
Learning their moderately
Program, Tell satisfactio useful and easy
Me More n and how to use for
it learning
translates English.
to
overall
l
earners’
achieveme
nt?
2017 Wang, F. An How to Qualitative Findings
H. exploration of promote demonstrate
online engageme that
behavior nt and engagement in
engagement achieveme problem-
and nt in solving
achievement flipped activities has a
in flipped classroom significant
classroom ? effect on
supported by achievement.
learning
management
system
2017 Carabajal, A Synthesis How can Qualitative The purpose of
I. G., of we help highlighting
Marshall, Instructional make this collection
A. M., & Strategies in education of literature is
Atchison, Geoscience equitable to encourage
C. L. Education in virtual the use of
Literature education? more equitable
That Address and inclusive
Barriers to instructional
Inclusion for strategies,
Students with including
Disabilities alternative
strategies and

135
 virtual learning
environments
2017 Bitting, K. Conceptual How does Quantitative Analyses show
S., Learning the use of that learning
Mccartney, Outcomes of technologi from the
M. J., Virtual cal tools Google Earth
Denning, Experiential impact exploration
K. R., & Learning: student activity is
Roberts, J. Results of learning? highly
A. Google Earth significant
Exploration in overall and for
Introductory all but one of
Geoscience the concept
Courses inventories
items.

136
 Appendix B: Introductory Email Letter

Dear Fellow Educators,

My name is Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky and I am a doctoral candidate at Concordia University–

Portland. I am currently conducting my research for my Dissertation. I am looking to elicit 20

teacher volunteers for my study to participate in an interview. The purpose of the study is to

explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors influencing students’ academic

achievement in online courses. No one will be paid to be in the study. To be in the study, you

will need to complete and submit your written consent form and then complete a face-to-face

interview. There are limited risks to participating in this study which include providing your

honest feedback and your information. However, we will protect your information. Any personal

information you provide will be coded so it cannot be linked to you. Information you provide

will help determine if there are certain factors that influence students’ academic performance in

online courses. You could benefit this by providing valuable insight to educators and other

education stakeholders in creating online course content that meets the needs of online learners

and leads to an increase in their success.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Sincerely,

137
 Appendix C: Consent Letter of Participation

Research Study Title: Teacher’s Perceptions on the Factors Influencing Students’

Academic Performance in Online Courses
Principal Investigator: Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky
Research Institution: Concordia University–Portland
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Libi Shen

Purpose and what you will be doing:

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of internal and external factors
influencing students’ academic achievement in online courses. We expect approximately 20
volunteers. No one will be paid to be in the study. We will begin enrollment on __________ and
end enrollment on ___________. To be in the study, you will need to complete and submit your
written consent form and then complete a face-to-face interview.

Risks:
There are limited risks to participating in this study which include providing your honest
feedback and your information. However, we will protect your information. Any personal
information you provide will be coded so it cannot be linked to you. Any name or identifying
information you give will be kept securely via use of pseudonyms and a lock box. When we or
any of our investigators look at the data, none of the data will have your name or identifying
information. We will only use a secret code to analyze the data. We will not identify you in any
publication or report. Your information will always be kept private and then all study documents
will be destroyed 3 years after we conclude this study.

Benefits:
Information you provide will help determine if there are certain factors that influence students’
academic performance in online courses. You could benefit this by providing valuable insight to
educators and other education stakeholders in creating online course content that meets the needs
of online learners and leads to an increase in their success.

Confidentiality:
This information will not be distributed to any other agency and will be kept private and
confidential. The only exception to this is if you tell us abuse or neglect that makes us seriously
concerned for your immediate health and safety.

Right to Withdraw:
Your participation is greatly appreciated, but we acknowledge that the questions we are asking
are personal in nature. You are free at any point to choose not to engage with or stop the study.
You may skip any questions you do not wish to answer. This study is not required and there is no
penalty for not participating. If at any time you experience a negative emotion from answering
the questions, we will stop asking you questions.

138
Contact Information:
You will receive a copy of this consent form. If you have questions you can talk to or write the
principal investigator, Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky at email [redacted]. If you want to talk with a
participant advocate other than the investigator, you can write or call the director of our
institutional review board, Dr. OraLee Branch (email [email protected] or call 503-493-
6390).

Your Statement of Consent:

I have read the above information. I asked questions if I had them, and my questions were
answered. I volunteer my consent for this study.

_______________________________ ___________
Participant Name Date

_______________________________ ___________
Participant Signature Date

_______________________________ ___________
Investigator Name Date

_______________________________ ___________
Investigator Signature Date

Investigator: Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky email: [redacted]

c/o: Professor Dr. Libi Shen
Concordia University–Portland
2811 NE Holman Street
Portland, Oregon 97221

139
 Appendix D: Interview Questions

1. What do you perceive as the internal factors, such as student characteristics, that impact

students’ academic performance in online courses?

2. What impact do internal characteristics, such as ethnicity/language, gender and age, have

on students’ online achievement?

3. What do you perceive as external factors, such as course design, that impact students’

academic performance in online courses?

4. What impact do external factors, such as technology proficiency/literacy, course

design/curriculum, parent support, teacher support/teaching strategies and motivation

have on students’ online achievement?

5. What do you think are the most significant internal/external factors that impact online

students’ success?

6. Why do you think they are the most significant internal and/or external factors that

impact online students’ success?

7. How do you perceive the relationship between student characteristics and other factors

such as technology literacy, course design, instructor interaction, and so forth, on

students’ success?

8. If achievement gaps exist in online courses, what would you suggest as ways to

implement best practice?

9. What suggestions do you have to improve students’ online performance based on those

factors?

140
 Appendix E: Focus Group Discussion

1. What factors do you believe impact students’ academic performance online most?

2. Why do you believe those factors impact students’ academic performance most?

3. How do the high school Administration support you to improve students’ academic

performance online?

4. What support would you suggest school district Administration to help improve

students’ academic performance online?

141
 Appendix F: Summary of the Findings from Teacher Interviews

Interview Categories Themes and Participants’ Codes

Most impactful factors Drive/motivation (P1, P2, P4, P7, P8, P11, P14, P18)
Parent Support (P3, P7, P11, P12)
Teacher support (P5, P17)
Course Design (P19, P20)
Personality (P9, P15)
Home life (P7)
Ability to balance (P10)
Technology proficiency (P8)
Economics (P12)
Communication (P14)
Ethnicity (P12)
Exposure (P16)

External factors Parent Support (P1, P2, P3, P5, P6, P7, P8, P12, P13, P14,
P15, P16, P18, P20)
Course Design (P3, P4, P6, P8, P12, P14, P17, P18, P19, P20)
Teacher Support (P1, P2, P5, P6, P8, P12, P13, P14, P16, P17,
P18, P19)
Communication (P1, P2, P5, P6, P8, P12, P13, P14, P16, P17,
P18, P19)
Access to technology (P5, P7, P16, P20)
Home life (P1, P3, P7, P9)
Economics (P12, P13, P16)
Technology proficiency (P13, P17)
Extracurricular Activities (P9, P19)
Age (P11)
Internal factors Drive/motivation (P1, P2, P3, P5, P6, P7, P8, P10, P13, P14,
P16, P17, P18, P20)
Age (P2, P7, P8, P14, P16)
Organizational skills (P3, P6, P9, P10, P12)
Gender (P5, P7, P9, P15)
Personality (P9, P15)
IQ (P7, P10)
Learning style (P17, P19, P20)
Ethnicity (P12)
Relationship between External most important (P1)
external and internal Factors Internal most important (P9, P14)
External/Internal work together (P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8,
P10, P11, P12, P13, P15, P16, P17, P18, P20)
Suggestions to improve Communication/Relationships (P3, P5, P10, P13, P14, P17,
academic success P19)
Additional Resources/support (P1, P2, P4, P6, P7, P8, P9, P11,
P12, P15, P18, P20)

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 Appendix G: Summary of Findings from the Focus Group Discussion

Interview Categories Themes and Participants’ Codes

Most impactful factors Drive/motivation (P2, P7, P8, P14, P18)
Parent Support (P7)
Teacher support (P17)
Home life (P7)
Technology proficiency (P8)
Communication (P14)

Suggestions to improve Communication/Relationships (P17)

academic success Additional Resources/support (P2, P7, P8)

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 Appendix H: Factors Impacting Student Success Online

Participant Overall Factors External Factors that Internal Factors that Relationshi
that Impact Impact Success Impact Success p between
Success Internal
and
External
Factors
Participant Drive/Parent Parent Drive External is
1 support support/background/ most
teacher role important
Participant Motivation Parent Motivation/Age Internal/ex
2 support/teacher ternal work
strategy together
Participant Parent support Homelife/parent Organization Internal/ex
3 support ternal work
together
Participant Internal Course design Intrinsic drive/Age Internal/ex
4 motivation ternal work
together
Participant Communication Access to Self-motivation/gender Internal/ex
5 resources/teacher ternal work
and parent together
communication
Participant Homelife Design of Motivation/organizatio Internal/ex
6 course/Teacher and n ternal work
parent involvement together
Participant Desire to Home Motivation/IQ/Gender Internal/ex
7 succeed/Parent environment/access ternal work
background + to technology/parent together
support support
Participant Motivated/Tech Teacher style/Course Motivation/ability/age Internal/ex
8 nology design/parent ternal work
proficiency support together
Participant Personality Family Personality/organizatio Internal
9 life/extracurricular n/gender most
activities important
Participant Balance of Access to Motivation/IQ/organiza Internal/ex
10 factors technology/parent tion ternal work
and teacher support together
Participant Perseverance/Pa Perseverance/drive/a Economics/Parent Internal/ex
11 rent support ge involvement/reading ternal work
level together
Participant Economics/Ethn Economics/course Student skills/ethnicity Internal/ex
12 icity/parent design/teacher and ternal work
involvement parent support together

144
Participant Self- Family Motivation/drive Internal/ex
13 discipline/Acces support/economics/t ternal work
s to echnology together
resources/techn proficiency/teacher
ology communication
proficiency
Participant Intrinsic Course Intrinsic Internal
14 motivation/Teac design/teacher and motivation/age most
her support parent support important
Participant Personality Ability to self- Personality/Age Internal/ex
15 teach/parent support ternal work
together
Participant Early exposure Economic Focus/time Internal/ex
16 to technology background/exposur management/age ternal work
e to together
technology/parent
and teacher support
Participant Relationship Teacher Motivation/Learning Internal/ex
17 building support/technology style ternal work
proficiency/engaging together
course
Participant Motivation/driv Course Motivation/drive/organ Internal/ex
18 e/organization design/extracurricula ization/age ternal work
r activities/teacher together
and parent support
Participant Design of Course Learning style Internal/ex
19 course design/teacher ternal work
support together
Participant Self-pace Wi-Fi Motivation/learning Internal/ex
20 access/distractions/d style ternal work
ecide of together
course/parent
support

145
 Appendix I: Statement of Original Work

The Concordia University Doctorate of Education Program is a collaborative community of

scholar-practitioners, who seek to transform society by pursuing ethically-informed,
rigorously- researched, inquiry-based projects that benefit professional, institutional, and local
educational contexts. Each member of the community affirms throughout their program of
study, adherence to the principles and standards outlined in the Concordia University
Academic Integrity Policy. This policy states the following:

Statement of academic integrity.

As a member of the Concordia University community, I will neither engage in

fraudulent or unauthorized behaviors in the presentation and completion of my work,
nor will I provide unauthorized assistance to others.

Explanations:

What does “fraudulent” mean?

“Fraudulent” work is any material submitted for evaluation that is falsely or improperly
presented as one’s own. This includes, but is not limited to texts, graphics and other
multi-media files appropriated from any source, including another individual, that are
intentionally presented as all or part of a candidate’s final work without full and
complete documentation.

What is “unauthorized” assistance?

“Unauthorized assistance” refers to any support candidates solicit in the completion of

their work, that has not been either explicitly specified as appropriate by the instructor,
or any assistance that is understood in the class context as inappropriate. This can
include, but is not limited to:
• Use of unauthorized notes or another’s work during an online test
• Use of unauthorized notes or personal assistance in an online exam setting
• Inappropriate collaboration in preparation and/or completion of a project
• Unauthorized solicitation of professional resources for the completion of
the work.

146
 Statement of Original Work

I attest that:
1. I have read, understood, and complied with all aspects of the Concordia
University–Portland Academic Integrity Policy during the development and
writing of this dissertation.

2. Where information and/or materials from outside sources has been used in the
production of this dissertation, all information and/or materials from outside sources
has been properly referenced and all permissions required for use of the information
and/or materials have been obtained, in accordance with research standards outlined
in the Publication Manual of The American Psychological Association.

Autumn Reyes-Sokolwosky
Digital Signature

Autumn Reyes-Sokolowsky
Name (Typed)

3/15/2020
Date

147