Abstract:

This article attempts to examine the barriers to successful completion of online course by international students. In so doing, it aims at answering specific questions: whether conflicts in language affect successful completion of online courses by international students as well as how learning skills contribute to successful completion of online courses by international students. The study also attempts to explore the role of cross-cultural interactions in successful completion of online courses by international students. While using a sample size of 260 International students from a four-year college and its satellite campuses, participant observation, FGDs, and interview schedules will be used to collect the necessary data.

The world is increasingly becoming a global village, thanks to advances in technology. As new technologies emerge, different forms of multimedia are becoming more accessible. This study is based on the assumption that international students face barriers due to their inability to understand concepts explained in a language not native to them, and the use of skills that they are not accustom with and/or have not learned.

With a growing enrollment trend in online courses, there is need to enhance successful completion of various programs undertaken through such program. However, the rate of retention among online students has been a concern for stakeholders in the online learning process. The dwindling retention rates have had negative impact on the successful completion of online programs by online students. The lower completion rates for online courses need to be addressed to enhance online student success.

Findings of the study were expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of student retention and attrition in in online learning both in the US and in the world at large.

Keywords:

Barriers, online courses, international students.