Psychosocial Environmental Relationships Among MSW Students in Distance Learning and Traditional Classrooms

A Midwestern university assessed 108 graduate social work students. Student preferences were examined regarding their perceptions and satisfaction with distance education versus traditional classroom settings. With a standardized measurement scale and 6 qualitative interviews being utilized, results identified several interpersonal and environmental characteristics influencing positive preference. Using an independent sample t-test, significant differences were found between the two types of learning environments. Results showed a preference for the standard, face-to-face format, and the results identified several variables that contribute to significant advantages and disadvantages of using distance education technology. Recommendations are provided for future research and explication of factors contributing to satisfaction with the learning environment.