Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Face-to-face versus online tutoring support in distance education

  • Linda Price
    ,
  • John T.E. Richardson
    ,
  • Anne Jelfs
  • Open University Milton Keynes
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

The experiences of students taking the same course by distance learning were compared when tutorial support was provided conventionally (using limited face-to-face sessions with some contact by telephone and email) or online (using a combination of computer-mediated conferencing and email). Study 1 was a quantitative survey using an adapted version of the Course Experience Questionnaire and the Revised Approaches to Studying Inventory. Study 2 was another quantitative survey using the Academic Engagement Form. Study 3 was an interview-based examination of the students? conceptions of tutoring and tuition. In all three studies, the students receiving online tuition reported poorer experiences than those receiving face-to-face tuition. Study 3 showed that tutoring was seen not only as an academic activity but also as a highly valued pastoral activity. To make online tuition successful both tutors and students need training in how to communicate online in the absence of paralinguistic cues.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 1-20

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Studies in Higher Education (Volume 32, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 14/02/2007

Publication status

Published - 14/02/2007

ISSN

0307-5079

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622596
  • Scopus: 33845730812

Access to documents

Publication metrics

PlumX, opens in new tab

Mentions
1
Captures
238
122