AN ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE GRADUATES’ INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN CREDIT COURSES USING DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

The study assessed interest of 649 agricultural science graduates in completing courses delivered by distance education. Graduates were surveyed by mail to I) determine their level of interest in completing courses offered by distance education, 2) compare the characteristics of graduates who are interested in distance education with those who are not, 3) examine factors that may influence their demand for credit courses delivered through distance education, and 4) identify conditions under which agricultural science graduates will participate in credit courses delivered through distance education. Most of the respondents were interested in taking courses by distance education. There were slight differences between the demographics of those interested in taking courses by distance education and those not interested. Attitude towards distance education and whether or not respondents had teacher certification were identified as the most important variables in determining interest in taking courses by distance education. Most respondents prefer to study on their own and at their own pace. Departments and colleges must develop courses that are flexible enough to accommodate the needs of distant students.