Student Permanence in E-learning Postgraduate Programs: a case Study

Abstract

The primary objective of this research study is to examine the factors that affect student permanence in a virtual methodology postgraduate academic program at a Colombian university. A literature review on student permanence in higher education programs is performed and a perception exercise is developed and applied to students. The situations that affect academic continuity are determined and strategies are generated to promote student permanence and graduation. The results show that the factors that have the greatest impact on student permanence are personal, socioeconomic, and academic, while technological and institutional factors are less relevant. It is concluded that the motivations that lead students to drop out of their studies are diverse and complex and that different strategies are needed to increase student permanence. This includes strengthening the capabilities of educational institutions to analyze internal and external scenarios to improve education quality and successful completion of academic programs.