A Case Study of Student Perceptions of Online Course Design Features and Success in a Bachelor of Health Sciences Program

Abstract

Asynchronous online courses have often been a challenge regarding student success. This case study aims to examine student perceptions of course design features that are viewed as most or least helpful in three required asynchronous online courses in the Vera Z Dwyer College of Health Sciences at Indiana University South Bend. Thus, the research questions are (1) Which course design features do students identify as the most effective for supporting their learning in an online course? and (2) What aspects of an online course do students perceive as most and least beneficial to their success? To obtain information about course design features a survey was disseminated via Qualtrics to five asynchronous online courses in the College of Health Sciences. Results showed that students found elements of course organization to be the most helpful in their success.