The percentage of college students taking at least
one online course has nearly doubled, from 23% to 45% in the last five years,
according to a new report from the market research firm re:fuel. The study, 2013 College Explorer, also found students
are enrolled in an average of two online courses per semester, but that many
struggle without a regular schedule or assignments and meetings.
“Students who need additional assistance to grasp
course materials also struggle to find help when professors and fellow students
are available only in the digital world,” said Tammy Nelson, vice president of
marketing and research for re:fuel, in a prepared statement.
The number of electronic devices students bring to
campus has risen since the company’s 2012 survey to 6.9 per student, with
laptops (85%) and smartphones (69%) topping the list. The survey also found that
79% of the responding students most often used pen and paper for taking notes
and 59% purchased printed textbooks instead of the digital version, but 47% also
use their laptops for taking notes in class, 33% use their tablet, and 13% use their
smartphone for note-taking.