Examining CVTC Student Perceptions and Course Success of Online Courses in Career & Technical Education

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between Chippewa Valley Technical College students’ perceptions of online education and their success in online courses to help guide programming decisions for future terms. Since the landscape of education changed with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, colleges have been increasing their online course offerings. To determine if student perceptions of virtual learning effects course success rates, students were surveyed to compare if their attitudes regarding online learning impacted their performance. The survey was circulated to all students enrolled in at least one Spring 2023 online learning course. Of the students surveyed, 143 completed the survey in its entirety. The results were inconclusive and provided the framework for additional research to be conducted. The researcher concludes from the data collected that there is notable data to adjust current online learning practice as well as continue to explore topics of online readiness, instructor relationship, and content area with additional research. Educators and leadership at Chippewa Valley Technical College must take student perspective into consideration as additional research is conducted.