Determining adults' study habits in online learning environment

Nowadays online learning environments were started to using in adult education with the tools they provide. Study habits of learners can differentiate in online learning environments because of the in and out of class activities. Also when students become adults, the way in which students use the online environment can lead them to develop new habits in these settings. In this regards, the development of study habits of adults in online learning environments were determined in the study. The participants of the study were 19 educational technology non-thesis master's program students who were in their first year. The study was carried out within the Research Methods and Techniques class through one semester. Data collected through out class activities such as homeworks and projects. At the beginning general information of the current study habits of students were determined quantitatively by using "study habits and attitudes" scale. Throughout the semester "control list" developed by the researcher and semi structured interview forms were used to track the development and change in study habits qualitatively. As result of data analysis, study habits was identified such sharing, problem solving, product development, monitoring and research. While some of the actions displayed as a part of these habits appear as a remodeling of previous habits, some new actions came up that have not been displayed before. Features of the online environments and lesson and adults' characteristics have influenced adults for displaying these habits in an online setting. In conclusion, results derived from this qualitative study will be a guide for lesson designers to plan activities for adult learners in online learning environments especially planning out of class activities. Keywords: Study Habits, Adult Education, Online Learning Environments.