The Relationship of Student Demographics and Academic Performance in an Online Learning Environment
Abstract: Understanding the role of student demographics in the online learning environment will assist institutions to make decisions regarding online programs. These decisions go beyond the initial question of whether to invest in online programs or whether to increase or decrease online course availability. This paper discusses the relationship between student demographics and success in online learning environments as it relates to academic performance and the possession of self-regulated learning characteristics. Understanding the role of student demographics in the online learning environment will also help institutions understand what resources need to be allocated toward support of online learning programs in the form of online advising and technical support for students, course development support for faculty, and investing in learning management software or collaboration software.