Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University July 2017

At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, our counselors often hear students say things like, “I hate online classes,” or “I like taking classes online, because I have more flexibility.” But now more than ever, they’re hearing things like, “I really like EagleVision Home, because it’s live with the teacher, but I can attend from home.” EagleVision Home is a rapidly-growing, online format that allows students to attend live classes from their laptops virtually anywhere. Miss a class? Watch it later-- all classes are recorded! Here’s the thing: how students prefer to attend class has drastically changed the way students learn… and universities are listening! By adopting a multi-modality course delivery platform, students can choose the way they want to learn!

But what influences student choice to enroll in one course format over another? We’re not sure, but there are many theories, and research findings are pouring in. Studies on the relationship between personality type and course modality satisfaction and preference are particularly interesting.

First, there’s some evidence that individuals with high levels of Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness (Big Five personality traits) are more likely to experience a greater level of satisfaction with online courses than those low in these traits¹. Those high in Openness to Experience are intellectually curious, open to new experiences, and more aware of their feelings. They are not likely to share the view that classroom lectures offer the best way to learn. Students scoring high on conscientiousness tend to have a preference for planned behavior over spontaneous; they’re more self-disciplined and detail-oriented. These traits leave them well-prepared for online learning and other self-directed behaviors.

Students with similar personality characteristics also tend to prefer similar course delivery modalities (face-to-face, online synchronous, online asynchronous, or blended). Therefore, we expect those with high Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness to routinely enroll in online courses. Alternatively, those low in these traits tend to rely more on face-to-face courses—and those courses are available! The takeaway from this is that college-bound students may be more successful if they choose course formats that agree with their personality traits, at least during their first year of college. However, this is not always the case: personality is not the only factor that impacts choice. Course delivery satisfaction and preference in some students may be influenced more by their desire to achieve academically, their belief in their academic potential, and course topic interest, as well as by external factors like work schedules, military deployment, and childcare. Find out what your Big-Five scores are at http://personality-testing.info/tests/IPIP-BFFM/.

Regardless of the reasons students choose specific delivery formats, ERAU fully embraces the multimodality philosophy and can offer course delivery based on student choice. Active-duty and support personnel attached to the U.S. Coast Guard base can drop by the Embry-Riddle Campus in Building 62 to learn more. All classes are available online, but most are available through the EagleVision Home and face-to-face formats, as well. Preliminary academic evaluations are free and available on a walk-in basis or via email at elizabethcity@erau.edu. An academic advisor will evaluate transfer credit for a variety of degree programs. Embry-Riddle awards college credit for military rate/rank/service schools/certain national exams & federal licenses/regionally accredited colleges and universities. Our students are often surprised by how close they are to degree completion—and you may be too.

¹Cohen, A., & Baruth, O. (2017). Personality, learning, and satisfaction in fully online academic courses. Computers In Human Behavior, 721-12. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2017.02.030

Article written by Dr. Judy Drago, Campus Director, Elizabeth City Campus