Advanced degree seeking students' satisfaction with online courses at UMKC--an early investigation

The use of online instruction is becoming more prevalent and transcends many disciplines. Nursing has been at the forefront of health professions utilizing distance education. Nearly half of all predoctoral dental programs report use of web-based or distance delivery. Comparatively, 22% of dental hygiene programs report use of this somewhat new approach to teaching. Distance learning provides a means for increasing access to and enrollment in dental hygiene programs. Individuals who cannot physically attend courses in dental hygiene benefit from the institutions that offer web-based classes. In today's environment, more individuals seek to advance their educational needs. Advanced dental hygiene degree programs may benefit by providing distance learning. 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.

The purpose of this study is to describe the pre- and post-course graduate and degree completion students' perceptions of web-based courses offered at UMKC.

Over the course of 3 years, all students enrolled in required fall semester online classes were selected and agreed to participate in the study. Students were asked to fill out questionnaires prior to and at the completion of required online courses. There were no identifiers on the questionnaires. The surveys used in the study were derived from an instrument used by Wills and Stommel who examined graduate nursing students' perceptions of web-based courses.

Results indicate that students enjoy this method of learning. All students reported they would enroll in another online course if given the opportunity.

Based on favorable student perceptions, UMKC will continue to provide this method of learning to students seeking advanced degrees in dental hygiene.