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Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6281080

Women outnumber men in online classes. Yet, many struggle to complete their virtual degrees.

A new study examines women learners and the challenges they face.

The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning explains:

"Interviews with a purposeful sample of 20 participants revealed the complexity of variables affecting learners' persistence to graduation. Findings suggested that multiple responsibilities, insufficient interaction with faculty, technology, and coursework ranked highest as barriers to women's persistence. Strong motivation to complete degrees, engagement in the learning community, and appreciation for the convenience of an online degree-completion option facilitated persistence."

Hopefully, as colleges begin to read the results of such studies, they will implement policies making it easier for learners of all genders.