Academic advising at a distance: student communication preferences Online publication date: Wed, 16-Jul-2003
by Bart Beaudin, Jeanne Breiner
International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEELL), Vol. 11, No. 1/2, 2001
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between the demographic characteristics of NTU distance learning post-graduate engineering students and the effectiveness or preference of communication methods used by advisors. A mailed survey was sent to 200 NTU distance learning students with a response rate of 39%. The results revealed that e-mail was the most effective and preferred method when communicating with advisors. The results are not statistically generalisable but would be a valid starting point for discussion related to advising in continuing engineering education. A 6-item communication method rating scale was developed and the homogeneity of scales was calculated using Crombach's coefficient alpha (0.87). No significant statistical relationships between various demographic variables (age, gender, ethnic origin, living situation, major, and employer) and communication effectiveness ratings were found.
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