Enabling student accomplishment online: An overview of factors for success in Web-based distance education

Student success in Web-based degree programs depends on an individual's course learning experience as well as the academic and administrative services provided by a virtual institution throughout the degree. This article explains essential factors found in recent research for online student accomplishment and how these can be facilitated in the course level through instructional design, teaching, and technical assistance. Then it examines academic and administrative services at the institutional level. Online academic services include counseling and advising, prior learning assessment, discussion support, career facilities, and access to academic resources such as libraries and bookstores. Online administrative services include admissions, enrollment and registration, assistance service, financial aid, and records. Factors at both levels are explained with examples provided from several institutions offering online distance education.