Six critical dimensions for widening online participation: qualitative synthesis of 2014-17 literature to verify a new conceptual model

This paper presents the full qualitative results of a study to propose a new conceptual model for widening participation of online education. The six critical dimensions of widening online participation model helps to explain how open online programs can both enable and constrain educationally under-served, non-privileged learners in different global contexts. It can be used to consider and design programs that tip the balance in favour of enabling more learners.

This paper provides examples and analysis for each of the key studies used to justify the parts of the model as the results published elsewhere (peer reviewed journal) will necessarily present a highly summarised view.