Understanding Students with Disabilities in Online Higher Education Courses and Their Retention

ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml

N

93

Undergraduate Students; Students with Disabilities; Barriers; COVID-19; Pandemics; Student Experience; Online Courses; Private Colleges; Academic Persistence; Interpersonal Communication; Academic Accommodations (Disabilities); Emotional Response

979-83-7972-222-7

The problem addressed through this study is the adversities undergraduate SWDs faced that could lead to lower retention and completion rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of undergraduate students with disabilities taking online courses and adversities during COVID at a small private higher education institution on Long Island, New York. The theoretical framework that guided this study was the social constructivist theory. The sample included eight SWDs recruited through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, open-ended, individual interviews via Microsoft Teams. The transcribed data were analyzed and coded manually. The key themes that emerged were SWD Challenges in Online Courses, Benefits to Online Learning, Reasons to Persist, Communication, Accommodations, Students' Ideas to Improve Online Learning, and Emotions which revealed that SWDs encountered both challenges and benefits in their online courses during the COVID pandemic. The participants experienced limited barriers to receiving their accommodations as well as limited stigma with disclosing to their professors the need to receive accommodations. SWDs can persist in their online courses with appropriate accommodations provided and consistent communication from faculty, staff, and peers. Findings can be applied to assist colleges in better understanding and retention of SWDs in their online courses. Future research should investigate how specific disabilities impact online education, how mental health and coping mechanisms play a role in persistence and retention during moments of crises, as well as using a larger sample size. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

As Provided

2023

ED635477