The Online Student Experience: New Challenges for Engagement and Support

Online learning has an increasingly important place in widening access and participation in higher education for diverse student cohorts. One cohort that has been taking up online study in increasing numbers over the past 10–15 years is that of mature-age, first-in-family students. This chapter looks at the experience of 87 first-in-family students, for whom the opportunity to enrol in online undergraduate studies through an open-entry pathway made it possible for them to embark on a university education. In-depth interviews and surveys were conducted with these students as part of a wider study into First-in-Family students described in Chap. 1 of this book (Study B). Findings include the important role that opportunity plays in providing the impetus for study, as well as the importance of support and encouragement from family, friends, colleagues and institutions in being able to continue the journey.