Student Services for Online Learners

Providing Information and a Voice for Students Online

Carey Larson

“Successful student support is a result of every aspect of a program, from a prospective student’s first awareness of the program to graduation day, working in an integrated fashion to maintain the student’s engagement and process.”-Granger, D. & Benke, M. (1998) Supporting Learners at a Distance from Inquiry Through Completion.

A Holistic Approach

Consider every stage of the experience:

A Holistic Approach

Consider every stage of the experience:

Prospect

A Holistic Approach

Consider every stage of the experience:

Prospect Applicant

A Holistic Approach

Consider every stage of the experience:

Prospect Applicant Student

A Holistic Approach

Consider every stage of the experience:

Prospect Applicant Student

How do we recruit, orient, engage and retain students?

How do we help them build community?

Raising Awareness

What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice?

Raising Awareness

What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice?

• Students with full time jobs

Raising Awareness

What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice?

• Students with full time jobs• Students with families

Raising Awareness

What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice?

• Students with full time jobs• Students with families• Students who prefer an online learning environment

Raising Awareness

What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice?

• Students with full time jobs• Students with families• Students who prefer an online learning environment• Students who cannot be on campus

Orientation

Provide tools for students to determine if online learning is right for them.

Orientation Supplements

Online Learning Self-Assessment Quiz:

Typing to communicate is overwhelming for me□ true □ false

Being at the computer for more than a few minutes is a form of torture□ true □ false

When I write I can take the time to organize my thoughts better than when I talk□ true □ false

Other methods…

?? ?

Eliminate the unknown?

?

Supporting Online Learners

Consider their perspective:

Online learning is how they connect

Supporting Online Learners

Consider their perspective:

Online learning is how they connect

• Email communication• Online resources• Virtual office hours• Online community spaces

Building Community Outside the Classroom

How do you build and sustain online learning communities?

The goal: CONNECTION

Allow students to feel connected to the greater college community.

Being Present & Having a Presence

“The value of education lies in social participation and

active involvement in community”-Wenger, E. (1999) Communities of practice: Learning, meaning and identity. Cambridge, England:

Cambridge University Press.

In an online environment everyone has to be present to have a presence

Being Present & Having a Presence

“Strive for presence…when participants in an online (course) help establish a community of learning by projecting their personal characteristics into the discussion – they represent themselves as ‘real people’”

-Pelz, B. (2004) (My) Three Principles of Effective Online Pedagogy

Choose your tools…

Adaptability

Working with students to find the best solution

• What are your students needs?• Will students come to you or will you reach out

to students? Avenues for both?• Is there a culture of willingness among

students? Faculty? Staff?• Find tools you can customize for your purposes• Keep in mind size and scope of the institution,

available resources, capabilities and needs

Final Thoughts

The key is to be present and make a presence. Get involved. Build relationships. Make it real.

Final Thoughts

The key is to be present and make a presence. Get involved. Build relationships. Make it real.

Tell your truth