HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE

REGIONAL students who stay at home and access support offered through local study hubs are far more likely to finish their qualification than those that relocate to the metropolitan area or study online.

Research undertaken by CQUniversity Australia shows almost 90 per cent of students who attend regional study hubs successfully complete their qualification.

This compares to up to 40 per cent of regional students who relocate for tertiary study only to drop out before the end of their first year.

Students enrolled entirely in online study are at least 20 per cent less likely to complete their qualification than those in face-to-face programs.

CQUniversity researcher Dr Angelina Ambrosetti says accessing regional study hubs, which offer academic and pastoral support to those studying through distance education, as well as internet and video conferencing access, is an attractive option for many tertiary students.

“Students who (remain in their community) and use their regional study hub have very positive outcomes,’’ she says.

“Online study is difficult. Yes, it gives people options (for study) but it’s a hard way to study and there’s a high dropout rate.

“When people move from their home town to a major city (for study) the dropout rate is also definitely higher – and the likelihood of them returning home (after their studies to work) is very slim.

“If (a student’s intention) is to live and work locally, then if they can access a local study hub I would be encouraging them to do that … they’re going to be much more successful.’’

Clark McCatty, 22, is combining online study for a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences with work at a community sports centre and believes a new study hub will reduce the challenge of distance education.

“You need to be highly disciplined and very committed to study via distance education as you’re not sitting in a classroom surrounded by fellow students,” McCatty says.