Welfare and student affairs for virtual and distance education college students

Abstract

A study was applied to identify the perception of students of distance education and online education, about the programs, services and university welfare activities that are currently offered in colombian universities. Two focus groups were conducted with 33 student affairs office managers and an online survey was applied with the participation of a convenience sample of 2532 students from 13 colombian universities. The article illustrates the results related to the barriers to the professional training of women, the welfare needs related to the age of the students and with skills of time management, learning resources, and necessary technological and academic skills for a satisfactory performance in distance and virtual education. There are differences between the perception of the needs and interests in matters of welfare on the part of student affairs office managers and the students’ opinion.