STUDYING IN A DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM: AN EXAMINATION OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS’ ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF LEARNING

Fareed ul Hassan; Syed Abdul Waheed; Nadia Gilani

doi:10.46662/jass.v13i1.570

Fareed ul Hassan PhD Scholar, Department of Educational Research & Assessment, University of Okara, Pakistan
Syed Abdul Waheed Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Research & Assessment, University of Okara, Pakistan
Nadia Gilani Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Studies, University of Okara, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46662/jass.v13i1.570

Keywords: Distance Learning, Doctoral Education, Alternative Resources, Off Campus Learning, Study Grroups, Digital Discussion forums, Peers

Abstract

The aim of present study is the investigation of alternative learning resources being used by the students of distance doctoral programs in order to overcome the challenges in approaching the distance education and students’ support system. It covers distance education program students and includes representation of diverse experience. Snowball sampling technique was utilized to collect data. It was done through semi structured interviews and focus groups discussion which engaged the students to exchange their strategies, preferences and the challenges they face while using online forums, personal networks, study groups and digital library resources as alternative sources of learning. Thematic analysis was employed in order to point out key patterns and effectiveness of these resources in the enhancement of learning experience in doctoral programs. Students in distance education rely heavily on online forums to get peer support. Also, formal university professors, colleagues and seniors are of crucial importance in personal guidance in such programs. Study groups whether online or one on one are also key elements in developing a collaborative learning environment and research-based education. In addition, digital discussion forums were also found to be strongly significant for the online doctoral students to have an easy access to current scholarly materials. The study concludes that alternative learning sources can support the online doctoral students in a variety of ways. They may provide flexibility, diverse perspectives and timely access to information along with mitigating the deficiency of physical classrooms. This study also gives strong indicators to public sector universities for a work on integration of these alternative resources with formal learning methods to make improvements in students’ success and engagement in distance learning programs.