| dc.description.abstract | This qualitative study was designed to investigate the changes that occurred in the lives
of women as a result of earning a fully online master’s degree. Eighteen women were
asked to describe why they chose to earn an online degree, what barriers they faced in
trying to gain an education and advance professionally, how their lives changed as a
result of earning the degree, and whether the outcomes met or surpassed their
expectations.
Constant comparative and narrative analysis of interview data revealed that
women who overcame barriers and resistance to their pursuit of education experienced a
range of benefits from earning the online degree. Benefits encompassed personal gains
in self-confidence, respect, the strength to be a role model, and professional gains such
as new career opportunities, connectedness in a professional community, and credibility
among peers. Participants reported the online environment uniquely connected them to a
more diverse group of peers, provided greater access to instructors and peers, offered
highly valued anonymity, introduced them to a more engaged form of learning, and
created a safe learning environment. Online learning emphasized students’ writing, reflection, articulation, timely feedback from the facilitator, caring and respect for
students, and effective communication.
Participants shared that earning the degree had a “domino effect” that led others
to emulate their behavior, and some experienced relationship changes. Significantly,
several of the women had a transformational learning experience that included: (1) an
unexpected discovery leading to heightened personal awareness that resulted from the
learning experience; (2) an openness to change and the process of becoming; (3) a
willingness to overcome internal or external resistance in order to redefine self; and (4) a
retrospective affirmation of altered personality and identity. Participants suggested
women still face discrimination in their professional lives, making advanced degrees
more critical for women. They recommended that institutions of higher education
provide more advanced online degree programs for the benefit of women who have a
variety of other demands placed on their lives as they strive to attain their personal and
professional goals. Implications and recommendations for future research and policy
changes are provided. | en |
