Expectations, Experiences, and Preferences of Students in a Dual Mode Program

While online-only programs are increasingly common, many universities today offer dual mode programs with both online and on campus cohorts undertaking the same program at the same time. This results in students having a range of experiences along a continuum from fully online study to a mix of online and face-to-face study. This research aimed to develop an understanding of preferences, expectations, and experiences of students enrolled in a dual mode postgraduate coursework program in Australia. Outcomes are presented in themes along with rich description and explanation that capture different facets of recurring singular ideas delineating the experiences of students in relation to their learning in a flexible dual mode. The research findings provide insight into the student experience of online study as well as the broader experience of study in a dual mode cohort.