The Unique Challenges for a Worklife Balance while taking Online
Graduate Studies: A Mixed Methods
Study
TYLER KELLY
SONALI
DANYA HUNEAULT
GERYANNE NEPOMUCENO
FRANCES TAYLOR
Outline

Overview of the problem

Lab 1: Qualitative Analysis


Methodology
Lab 2: Quantitative Analysis

Methodology

Conclusion of Findings

Future Considerations
Problem Statement

Research has been conducted on
the challenges that students face
while completing in-class studies,
however, little insight has been
provided into the strategies that
students studying online employ to
overcome these challenges. The
aim of this study is to provide insight
into the strategies that online
graduate students utilise to maintain
a work-life balance.
(Genius.com, 2015)
Research Question

What factors impact a student’s abilities to maintain a satisfactory
work/home/school life balance while completing online graduate
level courses?
(Passionpridepurpose.com, 2015)
What is known from the literature?

Enrollment in graduate studies has increased significantly over
the past 30 years from 77,000 students in 1980 to 190,000
students in 2010 (AUCC, 2011).

Time is considered a resource while completing online studies
(Romero, 2011).

Important differences exist between the challenges to
achieve and maintain a work/life/school/ home balance
between traditional and online schools(Romero, 2011).

Learning/Schooling time overlaps significantly with work and
home life when taking online studies in comparison to
traditional schools (Romero, 2011).

Of 12 reporting universities offering online courses this
represented an increase of 16%,enrollments for one university
to 194% increase in online enrollments for another from
2001/2002 data (Canadian Virtual University, 2012).
(Romero, 2011)
Lab 1: Methodology

Participants


The focus group was constructed from
English speaking, graduate students
from Athabasca University and The
University of British Columbia who are
currently taking graduate level course
online. Participation was voluntary.
Procedure

A focus group was constructed with
five online graduate students from
Athabasca University. The primary
investigator posed 4 open-ended
questions via skype at a designated
time.
(Collegefinder.org, 2015)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued…


Ethical Considerations

Consent must be obtained prior to conducting the interviews

Confidentiality must be safeguarded throughout the study

Right to privacy must be considered. Third party sharing of information
will not be part of this study and will be strictly prohibited.
Limitations

Small sample size.

Only two Universities were utilized for a small sample selection with
multiple programs.

Stand-alone online courses were not included in the selection criteria.
Lab 1: Methodology Continued…
Analysis

Challenges to Online Studies

Time management was highlighted as a larger
challenge and an important part of managing a
work/life/school/home balance.

Family life was found to be negatively impacted by
online studies.

One challenge was separating school and life
time/needs

Online group work can be difficult and cumbersome.

Nature of nursing practice (i.e. shifts, overtime, etc) at
times makes setting time aside for school more
difficult.
(Romero, 2011)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued…

Strategies for Success in Online Studies

Four main concepts identified:

Dedicating specific time for school

Dedicating space outside of home for
school work

Finding “me time”

Facilitating open communication with
family about school needs and their role
in helping to maintain a balance.
(ForexStategico.com, 2015)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued…

Online Learning Challenges to Finding
Balance

Weekly posts are time consuming and take
time away from other tasks/learning
opportunities. APA style of posts were
perceived to take away from the discussion, as
this would not be required in a face-to-face
format.

Time consuming to read through multiple
weekly posts.

Conferencing (ADOBE connect) and online
tutorials can add to the weekly workload if not
well moderated or structured.
(Postit.com, 2015)
Lab 1: Methodology Continued…

Flexibility Supports Balance

All participants agreed that online studies supported their learning more
than it was perceived as a challenge.

Online learning and it’s flexible nature was viewed as a positive when
attempting to achieve a work/school/life balance.

Online studies allow nurses and other healthcare professionals the
opportunity to complete studies with little disruptions to home and work.

All participants agree that the ability to make your own schedule and
post 24/7 added to their ability to achieve a positive balance.
Lab 2: Methodology

Participants


English speaking online graduate students currently enrolled in courses
at Athabasca University and The University of British Columbia were
invited to participate in a survey. This method reflects purposive
sampling. 17 students in total were invited with a 100% completion rate.
Procedure

Lab Group D developed 10 survey questions regarding the strategies
that students utilize to maintain a home/work/life balance. Fluid survey
was the platform utilized to conduct the survey. Students were emailed
a link to the survey with a brief description. A post was also added to
the course site to inform students of the opportunity to participate.
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued…


Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval was not required for this assignment.

If completed outside of NURS/MHST 603, consent and ethical approval
would be required.

Consent was implied with students participation, as it was stated that this
was a voluntary survey.

Third party sharing of information was not a part of this research assignment,
and therefore did not require consent or approval.
Limitations

Small sample size from only one University (actual).

Educational background (ie. online experience) were not assessed and may
contribute to a student’s ability to maintain a work/life/school/home
balance.
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued…
Employment Status

Analysis


23.5%
The majority (64.7%) of
students are employed
full-time while
completing online
studies
70.6% of online
graduate students
indicated that their
employer was
supportive during their
studies.
11.8%
Full-Time
64.7%
Part-Time
Casual
Employer Support
Other
No support
Moral support
Time off when needed
Flexible scheduling
0.0% 5.0% 10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%35.0%40.0%45.0%
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued…

Strategies utilized to
maintain a
home/school/work/life
balance.



Strategies to Maintain Home/School/Work/Life Balance
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
58.8% utilize dedicated
time
50.0%
41.2% leave the house to
complete work
20.0%
82.4% maintain an open
communication with family
regarding competing
needs.
40.0%
30.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Dedicated time
for school work
Leaving the
house to
complete
school work
Having "me"
time
Having open
communication
with family
about school
needs
Other
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued…


Greatest impacts:

Spending less time with family & friends(76.5%)

Less time for personal activities (76.5%)

Attend less social gatherings (70.6%).

Less time to complete household chores (64.7%).
Hours spent on school activities (per week)

Significant variance

1-5 hours (5.9%)

6-10 (41.2%)

11-15 (29.4%)

15+ (23.5%)
Impact on Family and Home Life
78.0%
76.0%
74.0%
72.0%
70.0%
68.0%
66.0%
64.0%
62.0%
60.0%
58.0%
76.5%
76.5%
70.6%
64.7%
Less time with
family/friends
Attend less social
gatherings
Less time to
complete
household
responsibilities
Less time for
personal
activities
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued…


Based on hours spent, do your
manage a satisfactory balance?

47.1% agree

23.5% disagree

29.4% neutral
Greatest challenge with online
studies:

Greatest Challenge associated with
Online Graduate Studies
24%
29%
6%
23%
18%
Time for family (29.4%)
Time for family

Work schedules (17.6%)

Making time for self (23.5%)
Making time for self

Managing group functions (23.5%)
Managing group functions online
Managing work schedule(s)
Communication with peers and professor
Lab 2 Methodologies Continued…

58.8% are not able to
enjoy extra-curricular
activities.

23.5% are able to find time.

64.7% agree that online
graduate studies support a
balance.

17.6% disagree that online
graduate studies support a
balance.
Taking an online graduate program
supports a satisfactory
home/work/school/life balance
18%
Agree
Neutral
17%
65%
Disagree
Questions…
(Sweetclipart.com. 2015)
References

CollegeFinder.org. (2015). Online Universities [Image]. Retrieved from
http://www.collegefinder.org/can-i-earn-a-bachelors-degree-online/

ForexStrategico.com. (2015). Strategy [Image]. Retrieved from
http://www.forexstrategico.com/it/strategie-forex/

Genius.com. (2013). Question Mark on the Forehead [Image]. Retrieved from
http://genius.com/1650093/Mickey-factz-union-square/Question-marks-on-theyforehead

Pasionpridepurpose.com. (2015). Want Better Results, Ask Better Questions [Image].
Retrieved from http://passionpridepurpose.com/2014/07/08/questions-are-theanswer/

Postit.com. (2015). Post-It [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.postit.com.mx/wps/portal/3M/es_MX/Post-it_Mexico/?WT.mc_id=www.post-it.com.mx

Romero, M. (2011). Distance learners’ work life learning balance. International Journal
of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 8(5), 43-48.

Sweetclipart.com. (2015). Diverse People Raising Hands [Image]. Retrieved from
http://sweetclipart.com/diverse-people-raising-hands-968