Lisa Kolakowski May 28, 2013 AEET/EDET 780 Review of Dissertations Introduction The topic I selected was e-learning

and adults. I chose this topic because it relates to my daily work and I would also like to learn more about the topic. There were a ton of search results, from countries all over the world. I wanted to focus on the United States and the motivation and effectiveness of elearning for adults. Dissertation 1: E-learning Technologies: A Comparative Study of Adult Learners Enrolled on Blended and Online Campuses Engaging in a Virtual Classroom Smith, Belinda G. (July 2010). E-learning Technologies: A Comparative Study of Adult Learners Enrolled on Blended and Online Campuses Engaging in a Virtual Classroom. Ph.D. dissertation, Capella University, United States -- Minnesota. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text. http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/746605945/13E4C96257E25F0353F/3?ac countid=13965 Summary This dissertation is about e-learning for adults, comparing adult learners in bended programs and online only programs. The quantitative study measures the engagement of the two types of students. The study is determining the devices being used to take the online courses, the media used to engage in the class and if there are differences in the amount of e-learning technology being used. Review I found this dissertation interesting to read about because I am in an online only masters degree program. The information in the dissertation was helpful in learning more about blended programs. I have never participated in a blended program, so I was interested to learn more. I find it somewhat surprising the high dropout rate for e-learning adult students. I was surprised at the large number of ways to access the learner through e-learning technologies and I was not surprised by the three ways to access the course in general.

Dissertation 2: Adult Learners Motivation in Self-Directed E-learning Kim, Kyong-Jee (August 2005). Adult Learners Motivation in Self-Directed E-learning. Ph.D. dissertation, Indiana University, United States Indiana. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text. http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/304986682/13E4C96257E25F0353F/4?ac countid=13965 Summary This dissertation is about e-learning and the motivation for adult learners. Creating a successful online course means the learner is actively engaged. E-learning courses have high dropout rates and motivation is a factor in why learners drop out. Motivation allows one to become a lifelong learner. This dissertation compares two types of learners, adult learners in an online only campus and adult learners in a blended campus. Review I found this dissertation particularly interesting for several reasons. First, I am currently enrolled in an online only masters program. Second, I work as an instructional designer studying educational technology. The topic is of interest to me both personally and professionally. Motivation is something I struggle with in an online only masters program, and as an instructional designer creating e-learning for sales agents. The theories used in this dissertation as the same theories I am learning about in my coursework. I found the background on distance learning to be very interesting, since I never read about that before. The research questions are clearly defined and applied to the research.

Dissertation 3: Comparing Perceived Effectiveness of E-learning and Traditional Learning in the Business Environment Gaither, Kimberly A. (June 2009) Comparing Perceived Effectiveness of E-learning and Traditional Learning in the Business Environment. Ph.D. dissertation, Northcentral University, United States Arizona. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text. http://search.proquest.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/pqdtft/docview/305177288/13E4C96257E25F0353F/7?ac countid=13965 Summary This dissertation is about e-learning and traditional learning in the business world. The reasons for elearning are around convenience, best use of time, relevancy and flexibility. The explanation of training, training for adults, effectiveness, management support, timeliness, flexibility, chunking and barriers are all addressed. The research topic studied was if there are differences between e-learning and traditional learning, and if it differed based on employee type. Review I found this dissertation extremely interesting and valuable. Since I work in training for a business organization, I could apply the methodology and findings to my everyday work. There was a significant amount of data and research that went into this dissertation, at time it felt like too much analysis and information that it was hard to follow. Overall, I did enjoy reading this dissertation and finding one that relates very well to my job.