This document discusses a preliminary study comparing critical success factors for success in online courses between traditional and non-traditional students. Some key findings were that having previous college experience, a small group of friends in high school, and comfort with various technologies before and during the course were important for both student groups. Non-traditional students were more likely to have a part-time job, while traditional students were more likely to have internet access at home and school and experience with specific technologies like search engines and file management in high school. Further research is needed to understand why these factors are critical and how to support students who lack them.

1. Differences in Critical Success Factors for Traditional and NonTraditional Online Students: Preliminary Results Amber Epps 1

2. Introduction Many research studies already conducted Results have varied Models for student success Tinto Rovai Bean & Metzner Why should we care? Online student population is growing Students, faculty, and administrators need to be prepared Students enrolled in online Computer Literacy course Survey 2

3. Definitions Traditional students 18-23 years NonTraditional students 24+ years Critical success factors Characteristics or abilities that lead to successfully achieving goals Success Final grade of C or better 3

4. Basic Info 4

5. Technology Comfort Before Class 5

6. High School 6

7. Technology Comfort – High School 7

8. CSF Summary Previous college experience – both First person in family to attend college – both SS100 – nontrad Currently use Internet – both Technology comfort before class – both All categories Small group of friends (high school) – nontrad Computer at home - both Computer at school – both Internet at home – trad Internet at school - trad 8

9. CSF Summary (cont) Parents involved – both PT job – nontrad Technology comfort in high school Internet - trad Email - trad Search engine - trad Zip/unzip - trad Create folders - trad Word processing - both 9

10. Further Research Why are these critical success factors so critical? What type of support should be provided to students who do not possess the CSFs? Study other courses. 10

11. Questions? 11