A Meta-ethnographic Synthesis of Support Services in Distance Learning Programs

Abstract

This qualitative study utilized a meta-ethnographic approach to synthesize findings of five disser- tations that focused on distance learning support services. The history of ethnographical studies stemmed from an anthropological background. Researchers have applied ethnographical ap- proaches to examine and document various phenomena. This meta-ethnographical study explored existing research on distance learning support services in higher education. Each individual re- searcher of the five dissertations used in this study established validity through coding, cross- coding, and triangulation for their results. The approach of this meta-ethnographic study consisted of seven phases: (a) phase 1-getting started with a literature review, (b) phase 2-deciding what is relevant to initial interest, (c) phase 3-reading the studies, (d) phase 4-determining how studies are related, (e) phase 5-translating stu- dies into one another, (f) phase 6-synthesis translation, and (g) phase 7-expressing synthesis. Each phase assisted in the identification process of possible relationships, interpretations, multiple per- spectives, and analogies from the five dissertations identified for this study. The in-depth scrutiny of each dissertation required multiple readings. Therefore, qualitative data analysis software as- sisted in the codification of metaphors and aided in maintaining objectivity during the interpretive phase of the meta-ethnographic process. The iterative nature of reading and investigating dissertations required for meta-ethnographies revealed the relationships evident in distance learning support services relevant to adult learners. The relationships between the dissertations highlighted these four holistic themes with core ele- ments connected to current developments in distance learning support services: (a) web-based design, (b) support services, (c) stakeholder perceptions, and (d) learner attrition. The results of this meta-ethnographical study will assist the future design and framework of support service functions in distance learning.