Advanced Degree Seeking Students' Satisfaction with Online Courses at Umkc--an Early Investigation (Report‪)‬

Introduction Distance learning is a method of utilizing technology to teach adult learners. (1) Moore and Kearsley define distance education as learning that takes place in a different location from teaching. (2) Since many educational institutions attract busy, working adult students with families who live at a distance from the classroom, more and more educators are rethinking the traditional delivery of courses. (3) Therefore, online courses are becoming a commonality for reaching students at greater distances. (4) Since 2000, the University of Missouri--Kansas City (UMKC), Division of Dental Hygiene has offered its degree completion program online. Its master's degree online program has been offered since 2001. This study describes the pre--and post-course graduate and degree completion students' perceptions of web-based courses offered at UMKC. The students' experiences with online courses at UMKC are positive, leading dental hygiene programs to consider whether this method of course delivery is advantageous to their institutions.