Internet Learning Volume 1, Number 1, Fall 2012 | Page 51

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Internet Learning

their online courses, the study found that students preferred to purchase books directly from their
institution’s bookstore. The study noted that research about bookstore services has not surfaced
in the literature about student services, but their study suggested that "online learners perceive
these services as a critical part of their experience in relation to other student support services
(Raphael 2006)." In relation to academic advising, "clear, complete and timely information
regarding curriculum requirements," was the student service deemed most important to students.
In particular, 48.5% of the participants in this study reported that they had completed less
than 30 hours towards their degree at the time of survey completion. Students at the beginning of
a degree program typically