Introduction

Online learning is becoming ubiquitous in most discipline. Universities and colleges across the globe want to be competitive as well as remain on the cutting edge of technology. As a result, they have utilized the Internet and its tools to extend educational opportunities to all individuals, especially those who cannot afford to leave their families or full-time jobs to pursue advance studies. Online learning has made it possible for individuals to work and study simultaneously at times convenient to them.

Findings

Research question 1: Are you satisfied with your online learning experience?

1. Seventy-five percent (n=18) who responded were very satisfied with their online learning experience
2. One hundred percent (n=18) all respondents support online learning since a richer source of information is circulated with everyone participating
3. Fifty percent (n=9) of the respondents expressed the desire to have all instructors have a presence responding to threaded discussion give summary or a final commentary. The involvement of the instructors challenges mental models and enhance the dialogue.
4. All respondents were very satisfied with the accomodation made during residency (hotel accommodations, traveling to class daily and to the airport after residency)
5. All respondents were very satisfied with the support they received from the helpdesk and from library personnel.

The paragraph below expresses the view of one participant.

Online learning is a tremendous learning experience. I have acquired a vast amount of knowledge and skills via individual work, peer discussions and feedbacks, and discussions and feedbacks from instructors. OL has granted me the privilege of undertaking my assignments at a time that is convenient. The academic tools are readily available to assist with the course and other personal issues.

Another participant explained, "My online learning experience was full of academic rigor, and I am confident that degree will be respected nationally as well as internationally."

Research question 2: Did the structure of the course provided the interaction you expected?

The eighteen participants who returned the self-reporting survey referred to technology tools available that can minimize the distance of location between the instructor and the learner. Online learning tools like Elluminate, Centra, Horizon Wimba for example are interactive, instructor-led learning environment, which allows students and instructors to interact using live audio, direct text messaging, and a shared whiteboard. Such tool enhances the transitional distance as students and teachers dialogue in real time. Participants overwhelmingly desire learner-to-instructor interaction because instructors provide motivation, feedback and support.

Jules (1990) stated, “Interactivity provides a way to motivate and stimulate learners and provide a way through activities and technology for instructors to cause students to consider and reflect on the content and process of learning” (p. 1). Using this format could help improve the isolation that students encounter.

Research question 3: What obstacles did you encounter?

1. The major obstacle noted by some respondents was concerned with some dissertation chair.
2. The debt amassed by participants is a heavy burden. One participant claimed owing $90,000 exclusive of the interest additional to other family obligations. Over sixty-six percent (n=12) felt inundated by the debt. This could be a factor that contributes to the high drop rate.
3. Twenty-five percent (n=6) especially female respondents felt they cheated their children out of family time.

Recommendations

1. Since students are required to complete the doctorate in three years, key courses should be sequenced accordingly.
2. Participants in the doctoral program suggested that longer periods be spent in residency to develop a deeper understanding of statistics. This would eliminate spending extra money for statisticians later in the dissertation process.
3. Because not all the graduates are in K-12 setting, they should be given the opportunity to select some of the electives that are more relevant to their work setting.
4. Whatever you can do today, do it, tomorrow has its own set of duties” as a guide to be successful; students should use self-talk; you make yourself aware that you are “in transition;” hence when the pressure comes, your mindset is better able to embrace it. It is also important to learn how to use the tools available and enjoy the process, the impressive faculty and the wonderful people you will meet. In addition, appreciate the value of what you are accomplishing and never be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes.
5. Staying focus is critical so never quit; if you are stuck, consult your instructor, classmates or advisor. Remember, technology is a great tool that can become fickle so be sure to make back-up copies of your work.
6. A support system is paramount. Technology has created a flat world
7. No man is an island; collaborate with others, be a team player, and develop your own network of professional colleagues.
8. You made a commitment, stick to it and find a balance between personal, physical growth, academic, spiritual and emotional.
9. It is also important to have a Wish to do list and Don’t do list and avoid deviating from it.
10. You are also reminded that it okay to say “No when others are assigning you extra duties.
11. Colleges and universities should make tuition more reasonable. Very soon, only a selected few will be able to afford the tuition. The isolation that students experience when they complete work asynchronously can be eliminated when E-live is put to work. The Cohort is an effective way to build community among students.

Limitations

The investigation is targeted to a small and specific population of doctoral students in one discipline-Instructional Technology and Distance Education (IDTE). A larger population of the different students groups may give different results. The short data collection period and the vested interest of the investigator.
 

Conclusion
The number of students registering for online learning will continue to increase. As technology evolves, students will demand an improved delivery system. Instructors will have to master the skill utilizing E-live to improve the interactions of the instructor and learner to negotiate the distance and temporal separation.Online learning, too, is not easy; it takes motivation, discipline, and hard to become successful.

As the world gets flatter, individuals will use online learning to fill gaps in their learning to remain competitive in the workplace; hence, institutions will have to make their tuition more reasonable to attract and retain students. Modeling best practice can affect what in-service teachers do with technology integration in their individual classrooms.

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