Challenges and coping strategies among distance education learners: Implication for human resources managers

Area of Science:

• Education
• Psychology
• Human Resource Management

Background:

• Distance education is a growing field with unique challenges for learners.
• Understanding these challenges is vital for improving educational support and outcomes.
• Human resource managers play a role in supporting distance learners within organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the challenges faced by distance education learners.
• To identify effective coping strategies employed by these learners.
• To explore the implications of these findings for human resource managers.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative, descriptive survey design.
• Sample of 1358 university distance learners.
• Data analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).

Main Results:

• Instructional, psychological, socio-religious, and institutional challenges significantly relate to coping strategies and educational output.
• Coping strategies significantly impact educational output.
• Effective coping strategies include problem-focused, emotion-focused, preventive, and proactive approaches.

Conclusions:

• Human resource managers should provide orientation, counseling, and adequate resources for distance learners.
• Timely feedback, suitable facilities, and competent tutors are essential.
• Supporting learners' coping mechanisms can enhance their educational success.