Perspectives on Online Undergraduate Research

Abstract

With the rise of online education surrounding the current global situation, facilitating engaging, communicative and interesting online courses and research has become increasingly more important. This study surveyed various undergraduate students at the University of Florida (n=114), gathering perspectives on their awareness of, interest in and opinions on online undergraduate research and courses. This study found that a majority of students (74.58%, n=88) surveyed were not aware of online research programs like the University Scholars Program, despite majority (71.67%, n=81) indicating they were at least moderately interested in the program. Students also overwhelmingly rated research as being  very or extremely important, especially for post-graduate work or school. This paper discusses the implications of relationships between these responses, and touches on suggested future research.