The Online University: Who are its Students and How are They Unique?

Abstract

This study examined relationships between student personality and choice of traditional on-campus or online college classes. The personality profiles of online and on-campus students were determined using the Fifth Edition of the 16 Personality Factor (16PF) questionnaire. Students taking online classes scored higher than on-campus students on scales of abstract reasoning and apprehension, and lower on the scale for social boldness. Online students were also more comfortable with computers than on-campus students, and were more likely to be nontraditional students (26 and older). These data show that there are differences in personality, age, and computer experience between online and on-campus students and help to elucidate the characteristics of students selecting the online venue for college classes and/or curricula which are useful to instructors teaching on the Internet as well as companies working to architect these learning environments.