Abstract:

The purpose of this investigation is to explore the reasons why some new distance learning students dropped out of the program within the first year. This investigation used interview data from 16 participants representing three geographical locations: Jakarta (metropolitan), Palembang (urban), and Ambon (rural area). The sampling method adopted was purposive sampling. It was expected that they would provide a valuable source of authentic data. To maintain research ethics, the names of the institution and interviewees remained confidential and anonymous. Prior to data gathering, the research questions were formulated into some guiding questions. Participants were encouraged to provide further information through suitable amounts of probing from the interviewers. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The data was scrutinized and an intercoder was also adopted. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data and provide plausible answers to the research questions. The results showed that external factors, including financial problems, family matters, sustainability of study and work engagement, transportation and internet constraints were dominant. Meanwhile, internal factors were unsatisfactory and unsuitable for the program. It was, important to note that some participants might experience both external and internal factors at the same time. Transportation and internet constraints were experienced by students residing in Ambon (rural area). This finding emphasized the importance of reducing internet access disparities in Indonesia. The majority of the participants admitted that they would resume their studies in the following semester. The evidence of this study suggests that factors that led students to drop out of the program were complex. Therefore, the university is required to undertake comprehensive approaches to ensure that the problems are addressed, which in turn help students finish their studies within the time they plan.

Keywords:

Distance learning, drop out, interview, qualitative, thematic analysis.