Challenges in Balancing Online Graduate Studies
This study explores the unique challenges faced by students balancing work and life while pursuing online graduate studies. It delves into strategies employed to maintain a healthy work-life balance and presents findings from qualitative and quantitative analyses.
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The Unique Challenges for a Work- life Balance while taking Online Graduate Studies: A Mixed Methods Study TYLER KELLY SONALI DANYA HUNEAULT GERYANNE NEPOMUCENO FRANCES TAYLOR
Outline Overview of the problem Lab 1: Qualitative Analysis Methodology Lab 2: Quantitative Analysis Methodology Conclusion of Findings Future Considerations
Problem Statement Research has been conducted on the challenges that students face while completing in-class studies, however, little insight has been provided into the strategies that students studying online employ to overcome these challenges. The aim of this study is to provide insight into the strategies that online graduate students utilise to maintain a work-life balance. (Genius.com, 2015)
Research Question What factors impact a student s abilities to maintain a satisfactory work/home/school life balance while completing online graduate level courses? (Passionpridepurpose.com, 2015)
What is known from the literature? Enrollment in graduate studies has increased significantly over the past 30 years from 77,000 students in 1980 to 190,000 students in 2010 (AUCC, 2011). Time is considered a resource while completing online studies (Romero, 2011). Important differences exist between the challenges to achieve and maintain a work/life/school/ home balance between traditional and online schools(Romero, 2011). Learning/Schooling time overlaps significantly with work and home life when taking online studies in comparison to traditional schools (Romero, 2011). Of 12 reporting universities offering online courses this represented an increase of 16%,enrollments for one university to 194% increase in online enrollments for another from 2001/2002 data (Canadian Virtual University, 2012). (Romero, 2011)
Lab 1: Methodology Participants The focus group was constructed from English speaking, graduate students from Athabasca University and The University of British Columbia who are currently taking graduate level course online. Participation was voluntary. Procedure A focus group was constructed with five online graduate students from Athabasca University. The primary investigator posed 4 open-ended questions via skype at a designated time. (Collegefinder.org, 2015)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued Ethical Considerations Consent must be obtained prior to conducting the interviews Confidentiality must be safeguarded throughout the study Right to privacy must be considered. Third party sharing of information will not be part of this study and will be strictly prohibited. Limitations Small sample size. Only two Universities were utilized for a small sample selection with multiple programs. Stand-alone online courses were not included in the selection criteria.
Lab 1: Methodology Continued Analysis Challenges to Online Studies Time management was highlighted as a larger challenge and an important part of managing a work/life/school/home balance. Family life was found to be negatively impacted by online studies. One challenge was separating school and life time/needs Online group work can be difficult and cumbersome. Nature of nursing practice (i.e. shifts, overtime, etc) at times makes setting time aside for school more difficult. (Romero, 2011)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued Strategies for Success in Online Studies Four main concepts identified: Dedicating specific time for school Dedicating space outside of home for school work Finding me time Facilitating open communication with family about school needs and their role in helping to maintain a balance. (ForexStategico.com, 2015)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued Online Learning Challenges to Finding Balance Weekly posts are time consuming and take time away from other tasks/learning opportunities. APA style of posts were perceived to take away from the discussion, as this would not be required in a face-to-face format. Time consuming to read through multiple weekly posts. Conferencing (ADOBE connect) and online tutorials can add to the weekly workload if not well moderated or structured. (Postit.com, 2015)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued Flexibility Supports Balance All participants agreed that online studies supported their learning more than it was perceived as a challenge. Online learning and it s flexible nature was viewed as a positive when attempting to achieve a work/school/life balance. Online studies allow nurses and other healthcare professionals the opportunity to complete studies with little disruptions to home and work. All participants agree that the ability to make your own schedule and post 24/7 added to their ability to achieve a positive balance.
Lab 2: Methodology Participants English speaking online graduate students currently enrolled in courses at Athabasca University and The University of British Columbia were invited to participate in a survey. This method reflects purposive sampling. 17 students in total were invited with a 100% completion rate. Procedure Lab Group D developed 10 survey questions regarding the strategies that students utilize to maintain a home/work/life balance. Fluid survey was the platform utilized to conduct the survey. Students were emailed a link to the survey with a brief description. A post was also added to the course site to inform students of the opportunity to participate.
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued Ethical Considerations Ethical approval was not required for this assignment. If completed outside of NURS/MHST 603, consent and ethical approval would be required. Consent was implied with students participation, as it was stated that this was a voluntary survey. Third party sharing of information was not a part of this research assignment, and therefore did not require consent or approval. Limitations Small sample size from only one University (actual). Educational background (ie. online experience) were not assessed and may contribute to a student s ability to maintain a work/life/school/home balance.
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued Employment Status Analysis 23.5% The majority (64.7%) of students are employed full-time while completing online studies 11.8% 64.7% Full-Time Part-Time Casual 70.6% of online graduate students indicated that their employer was supportive during their studies. Employer Support Other No support Moral support Time off when needed Flexible scheduling 0.0% 5.0% 10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%35.0%40.0%45.0%
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued Strategies utilized to maintain a home/school/work/life balance. Strategies to Maintain Home/School/Work/Life Balance 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 58.8% utilize dedicated time 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 41.2% leave the house to complete work 10.0% 0.0% Dedicated time for school work Leaving the house to complete school work Having "me" time Having open communication with family about school needs Other 82.4% maintain an open communication with family regarding competing needs.
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued Greatest impacts: Spending less time with family & friends(76.5%) Impact on Family and Home Life Less time for personal activities (76.5%) 76.5% 76.5% 78.0% Attend less social gatherings (70.6%). 76.0% 74.0% 70.6% 72.0% Less time to complete household chores (64.7%). 70.0% 68.0% Hours spent on school activities (per week) 64.7% 66.0% 64.0% 62.0% Significant variance 60.0% 58.0% 1-5 hours (5.9%) Less time with family/friends Attend less social gatherings Less time to complete household responsibilities Less time for personal activities 6-10 (41.2%) 11-15 (29.4%) 15+ (23.5%)
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued Based on hours spent, do your manage a satisfactory balance? Greatest Challenge associated with Online Graduate Studies 47.1% agree 23.5% disagree 24% 29% 29.4% neutral Greatest challenge with online studies: 6% 18% 23% Time for family (29.4%) Time for family Work schedules (17.6%) Managing work schedule(s) Making time for self Making time for self (23.5%) Communication with peers and professor Managing group functions (23.5%) Managing group functions online
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued 58.8% are not able to enjoy extra-curricular activities. Taking an online graduate program supports a satisfactory home/work/school/life balance 23.5% are able to find time. 64.7% agree that online graduate studies support a balance. 18% Agree Neutral 17% 65% Disagree 17.6% disagree that online graduate studies support a balance.
Questions (Sweetclipart.com. 2015)
References CollegeFinder.org. (2015). Online Universities [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.collegefinder.org/can-i-earn-a-bachelors-degree-online/ ForexStrategico.com. (2015). Strategy [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.forexstrategico.com/it/strategie-forex/ Genius.com. (2013). Question Mark on the Forehead [Image]. Retrieved from http://genius.com/1650093/Mickey-factz-union-square/Question-marks-on-they- forehead Pasionpridepurpose.com. (2015). Want Better Results, Ask Better Questions [Image]. Retrieved from http://passionpridepurpose.com/2014/07/08/questions-are-the- answer/ Postit.com. (2015). Post-It [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.post- it.com.mx/wps/portal/3M/es_MX/Post-it_Mexico/?WT.mc_id=www.post-it.com.mx Romero, M. (2011). Distance learners work life learning balance. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 8(5), 43-48. Sweetclipart.com. (2015). Diverse People Raising Hands [Image]. Retrieved from http://sweetclipart.com/diverse-people-raising-hands-968
