Battle lines have always been deep between those who are either pro- or con- online education.

But the pro side may be gaining an edge, if the recent rash of positive news stories and research findings are any indication.

A three year study conducted by Kingston University reported that online learning opportunities may well improve a student's chance for college admission, and college graduation.

The complete press release is available at webitpr.com:
E-learning can encourage students from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for university as well as improving overall student success rates, according to a research report published today by Kingston University.

Researchers investigated how the use of Kingston University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) from Blackboard, which supplies on-line software to HE institutions, could boost the numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education. They also looked at whether e-learning could improve undergraduates' chances of achieving a good degree. Funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies the GBP340,000 project has taken three years to complete.

In reviewing how Blackboard could help increase applications to university, the researchers interviewed 18 staff and 320 students in seven local FE colleges.

83% of the students surveyed were aged 25 or over and the first in their families to consider higher education. As well as having access to 24-hour on-line resources such as lecture notes and handouts, they were able to find out about the experiences of current Kingston undergraduates from similar backgrounds through a mentoring programme.

Blackboard also enabled students to make virtual tours to universities around the country and provided step-by-step guidance on how to apply to higher education institutions.

The researchers found that the majority of students had misconceptions about workload, style of courses and the nature of assignments. VLE-based mentoring and course support were invaluable in negotiating the HE application procedures.

Dr Larry Roberts, Director of academic Development at Kingston University said: " Many students were concerned about how they would balance their studies with family life and fitting in with younger students. The Blackboard resources proved particularly useful for students who had to miss classes to look after their children while access to mentors helped alleviate many of their anxieties."