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What is Retention

Chapter 287

Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, Second Edition

The number of learners or students who progress from one part of an educational program to the next.

Published in Chapter:

Student Retention in Online Education

Mac Adkins (Troy State University Montgomery, USA) and Wanda B. Nitsch (University of St. Augustine for Health Services, USA)

Source Title: Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, Second Edition

DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-198-8.ch287

Abstract

Successful program completion in an online education context is a combination of learner attributes, the university’s focus on meeting the needs of the students, and providing a quality educational product. This article focuses on the needs of the online student and how a program can provide the educational services that promote student retention. By recognizing distance education student needs and putting strategies into place to best meet those needs, programs can have a high course and program completion rate to meet accreditation standards and provide financial stability for the institution.