Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Success in Online Learning

Authors

  • Robin Berenson American Public University System
  • Gary Boyles Argosy University of Sarasota
  • Ann Weaver Argosy University of Sarasota

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v9i2.385

Keywords:

Online student success, online learning, emotional intelligence, personality, persistence, characteristics of online learning

Abstract

As students increasingly opt for online classes, it becomes more important for administrators to predict levels of potential academic success. This study examined several factors to characterize successful online college students, including emotional intelligence (EI), persistence, personality, age, gender and previous online experience among students attending community college. Factor analysis revealed two profiles labeled ‘EI’ and ‘Persuasive’. EI was positively correlated with GPA and resilience. Males had significantly higher EI than females. EI was unrelated to age, personality, number of semesters completed, program of study and previous online experience. Conclusions were that there may be a profile of the successful online student that could be used in marketing, advisement, quality assessment and retention efforts.

Author Biographies

Robin Berenson, American Public University System

Business Division Faculty, Member of the Online Course Review Committee, and Online Faculty Mentor, Spartanburg Community College

Gary Boyles, Argosy University of Sarasota

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Argosy University of Sarasota, Assistant Professor

Ann Weaver, Argosy University of Sarasota

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Argosy University of Sarasota, Assistant Professor

Published

2008-06-30

How to Cite

Berenson, R., Boyles, G., & Weaver, A. (2008). Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Success in Online Learning. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v9i2.385

Issue

Section

Research Articles