Four narratives about online international students: a critical literature review. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Kyungmee; Bligh, Brett
• Is Part Of: Distance education. Volume 40:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 169
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Critical literature review -- international education -- international student -- non-western student -- oonline international student -- online higher education; Distance education -- Periodicals; Distance education -- Australia -- Periodicals; 371.3505
• DOI: 10.1080/01587919.2019.1600363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0158-7919

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the current higher education context, offering online programmes is seen as an effective means to recruit more international students. However, supporting online international students studying at a distance is not a simple task for both universities and tutors. The problem mainly stems from a lack of theoretical understanding of online international students and their learning experiences. The present article, therefore, aims to address the gap, by systematically, yet critically reviewing relevant academic narratives about online international students. Our review reveals four types of narratives presented in the literature, describing online international students in particular ways: unspecified others with a rapid increase in their numbers, specific others with deficits, specific others as pedagogical resources and active participants in international learning communities. We discuss the merits and the drawbacks of each type of narratives for online educators seeking pedagogical suggestions about supporting online international students.