The purpose of this study is to examine student experiences with and perceptions of online homework systems with access code costs. Postsecondary students (N = 966) completed a survey about online homework systems. Most students (79.5%) indicated that they had been required to purchase an access code for an online homework system and 29.4% reported their grade was hurt because they could not afford an access code. Black students reported more courses with required access codes for homework and reported that online homework systems were more helpful than other students. Latino/a/x students were more likely to report their grades were hurt by not affording access codes than other students. First-generation students reported they avoided courses with online homework systems (36.9%) more than continuing-generation students (23.9%). Overall, the findings indicate that the cost of online homework systems is a barrier to education, and alternatives should be further developed and promoted.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Understand the financial burden of online homework systems with purchased access codes
- Report the inequitable requirements of purchasing access to online homework systems across racial and ethnic groups.
- Analyze the perceived benefits of online homework systems relative to the financial cost.
- Evaluate the need for no/low cost open online homework systems in higher education.
