**7. Conclusions**

290 International Perspectives of Distance Learning in Higher Education

Initiative, also referred to as aggressiveness and self-motivation, was also identified as

You have to have a certain type personality to do online and not be fearful or not be hesitant or, you know, not be afraid that you won't know the answer. So you have to pursue it the best way you can. But you have to know that the internet has a wealth of information on your particular course. . . They have to be almost aggressive, not assertive, but they have to be aggressive, because – and they have to want to

I think you need to be kind of on your—How do I put this? An independent learner, and just study. And there's always someone there for you. Phone or email, or you can go to their office. You feel like you still have like classmates, because you go on the message board. So don't let that frighten you, that you won't have a teacher there in front of you to ask questions. It's kinda like you still have a class, but it's just at home.

The participants stressed the importance of students enrolling in online study having a working knowledge of computers and the Internet along with comfort working online. According to Len, "So I think the first thing, you know, they need to learn about is computers and how to use the internet." Juanita encourages those counseling and

Just to continue to be supportive of someone, especially if they do not know anything about computers, just to help them by referring them to places that offer free computer, limited classes, you know, limited basic computer classes or, you know, where they can improve their skills on them, and just to encourage them to not give up. I know sometimes some people, you know, we live in a world of technology, and a lot of times people assume that you should know something about computers. And if you come from a low income family like I did growing up, we didn't have that option of having a computer in the house. And I actually didn't have my first computer until maybe 6 years ago, and even then I was about 23, and at that time, you know, a person could own a computer and still not know anything about it. So it's just maybe just continuing

Participants were asked to assess the impact of online study on their lives. Two students, Juanita and Len, acknowledged that they would not have been able to work on their degrees

disciplined in doing work on their own.

important for success. Martha provided this advice:

accomplish goals. And I'm talking male/female.

to offer support for them and encourage them.

**6.6 Personal impact of online learning** 

without the online option. Juanita explained:

**6.5.2 Initiative** 

Sarah agreed:

**6.5.3 Technology self-efficacy** 

supporting low-income students to:

because I don't think online classes are for everybody, to be honest with you. Because it took a lot of discipline from me, but I've been through other classes, and so, I want to do this, so that's why I made myself do this…I would like to say it would be for all the students, but like I said before, I think it's for students who are more in control, more

> Although family or work obligations (Tones et al., 2009) and income are a few of the main barriers for adult students to enroll in courses, the student experiences in this research project serve as an example that low-income and working adults can be successful in a distance education course. From these students' experiences, we gain insight into effective learning environments that support the needs of working adults.
