Retention and Online Learning

Retention and Online Learning

Alvarado G Session 3-6 Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Alvarado G Session 3-6 Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

This presentation will help you to discover ways to create a supportive

online learning environment that increases the retention of students

from different cultural backgrounds. Other online instructors are

encouraged to attend and share their own strategies for success with others

who are new to teaching online.

This presentation will help you to discover ways to create a supportive

online learning environment that increases the retention of students

from different cultural backgrounds. Other online instructors are

encouraged to attend and share their own strategies for success with others

who are new to teaching online.

Enter the MatrixEnter the Matrix

What do students want from online learning? (subconscious expectations) Neo and uploading learning

What do students want from online learning? (subconscious expectations) Neo and uploading learning

Online educationOnline education

It is changing the way we teach and learn.

We are going through a whole shift in the culture of learning.

It is changing the way we teach and learn.

We are going through a whole shift in the culture of learning.

Low tech excusesLow tech excuses

My dog ate it. I was sick. My sister threw it away. Library was closed. I dropped it in a mud puddle.

My dog ate it. I was sick. My sister threw it away. Library was closed. I dropped it in a mud puddle.

High tech excusesHigh tech excuses

My computer crashed. Computer got a virus. My sister deleted it. Internet was down. I spilled coffee on the keyboard.

My computer crashed. Computer got a virus. My sister deleted it. Internet was down. I spilled coffee on the keyboard.

Retention ratesRetention rates

Worse than face-to-face classes? Worse than face-to-face classes?

How low can you go?How low can you go?

“drop-out rates standing at about 70% compared with an average of 15% for classroom training.” Shepherd

“drop-out rates standing at about 70% compared with an average of 15% for classroom training.” Shepherd

8 out of 10 people?8 out of 10 people?

“the attrition rate is as high as 80%. Can it be true that as many as eight out of ten people who begin an e-learning course fail to complete it? The answer is 'yes'“ Flood

“the attrition rate is as high as 80%. Can it be true that as many as eight out of ten people who begin an e-learning course fail to complete it? The answer is 'yes'“ Flood

W’sW’s

“They noted a high rate of withdrawal from online classes over two semesters—30.0% and 25.0%, respectively” Diaz

“They noted a high rate of withdrawal from online classes over two semesters—30.0% and 25.0%, respectively” Diaz

Why poor retention?Why poor retention? “Some of the issues include lack of

instructor training, poor course design, lack of student interaction, and personal commitments.” Serwatka

“Some of the issues include lack of instructor training, poor course design, lack of student interaction, and personal commitments.” Serwatka

Problems with e-learning?Problems with e-learning?

In order improve retention we have to understand what students are feeling about e-learning.

What don’t some students like about online courses?

In order improve retention we have to understand what students are feeling about e-learning.

What don’t some students like about online courses?

No instructor?No instructor?

“Learners often feel that they’re being cheated out of an instructor” Hofmann

“Learners often feel that they’re being cheated out of an instructor” Hofmann

Fun?Fun?

“Make learning fun. Too many courses deal with abstract concepts, rather than real-world practice; “ Jain

“Make learning fun. Too many courses deal with abstract concepts, rather than real-world practice; “ Jain

UsefulUseful

Students need to be “confident that their time invested in professional development is well-spent.” Hofmann

Students need to be “confident that their time invested in professional development is well-spent.” Hofmann

Long and boringLong and boring

“Why do so many people leave online courses without finishing them? Some learning professionals argue that people drop out because most e-classes are too long and boring.” Alexander

“Why do so many people leave online courses without finishing them? Some learning professionals argue that people drop out because most e-classes are too long and boring.” Alexander

ShovelwareShovelware

“The worst experience anyone can encounter in an e-learning environment is finding traditional written training materials simply moved to the computer screen.” Jain

“The worst experience anyone can encounter in an e-learning environment is finding traditional written training materials simply moved to the computer screen.” Jain

What have you heard?What have you heard?

Let’s discuss: What reasons have you heard for students dropping out of online courses?

Let’s discuss: What reasons have you heard for students dropping out of online courses?

Ask ourselves?Ask ourselves?

So how do we keep students interested in completing an online course?

First we’ll look at course design. Then we’ll look at the students

themselves.

So how do we keep students interested in completing an online course?

First we’ll look at course design. Then we’ll look at the students

themselves.

First stepsFirst steps

Get to know online learning be a student first

Create your first course - try only one - maybe even team with

someone who has experience Be a lover of email Maybe learn some basic web

design

Get to know online learning be a student first

Create your first course - try only one - maybe even team with

someone who has experience Be a lover of email Maybe learn some basic web

design

Creating a courseCreating a course

“It’s crucial that online delivery be chosen for the right reasons: not because everyone’s doing it, but because there are factors that make it the best choice to deliver the content.” http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

“It’s crucial that online delivery be chosen for the right reasons: not because everyone’s doing it, but because there are factors that make it the best choice to deliver the content.” http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

Prep everything up frontPrep everything up front

Have everything ready for the class before it begins. All this work does pay off.

“Publish requirements and set expectations ahead of time.” Hofmann

Have everything ready for the class before it begins. All this work does pay off.

“Publish requirements and set expectations ahead of time.” Hofmann

Careful with design Careful with design

Be sure to keep it simple to start with the low tech learner in mind.

Design the class so most students can access your materials on most computers OR be clear about the kind of computer setup and internet speed they need.

Be sure to keep it simple to start with the low tech learner in mind.

Design the class so most students can access your materials on most computers OR be clear about the kind of computer setup and internet speed they need.

The digital divideThe digital divide We have high speed internet on our

campus but we serve a large county with reservations and rural areas that do not have high speed access.

Online learning brings education to people in remote areas but we have to keep in mind the limits of technology in these same places.

We have high speed internet on our campus but we serve a large county with reservations and rural areas that do not have high speed access.

Online learning brings education to people in remote areas but we have to keep in mind the limits of technology in these same places.

New learning cultureNew learning culture

We “forget about the culture change involved with this new learning environment.” Hofmann

In our area, not only are students dealing with a European style of teaching but also a whole new way of learning with technology, something they may not have been exposed to at home or in the schools.

We “forget about the culture change involved with this new learning environment.” Hofmann

In our area, not only are students dealing with a European style of teaching but also a whole new way of learning with technology, something they may not have been exposed to at home or in the schools.

Learning StylesLearning Styles

“Addressing learning styles is at the heart of retaining students in on-line courses.” Serwatka

When creating your course, try to keep in mind the learning styles and cultural backgrounds of your students. How do your students learn best?

“Addressing learning styles is at the heart of retaining students in on-line courses.” Serwatka

When creating your course, try to keep in mind the learning styles and cultural backgrounds of your students. How do your students learn best?

Learning stylesLearning styles

Audio/Visual - This is how most instruction is delivered. But visuals can be forgotten (use pictures, diagrams or visual representations).

Kinesthetic - How can you help these learners?

Audio/Visual - This is how most instruction is delivered. But visuals can be forgotten (use pictures, diagrams or visual representations).

Kinesthetic - How can you help these learners?

Kinesthetic learnersKinesthetic learners Provide creative activities that practice

the concepts. Theory is fine as long as they are given

ways to use it or see it in use. Have assignments involving self-guided

field trips, interviews, and activities where something is created or produced.

Provide creative activities that practice the concepts.

Theory is fine as long as they are given ways to use it or see it in use.

Have assignments involving self-guided field trips, interviews, and activities where something is created or produced.

No lecture? Then what?No lecture? Then what?

“Distance learning requires a new pedagogy and alternative teaching tools to enable the learner to grasp material without the benefit of an instructor’s lecture.” Serwatka

This popular method of college instruction no longer works online so what do you do?

“Distance learning requires a new pedagogy and alternative teaching tools to enable the learner to grasp material without the benefit of an instructor’s lecture.” Serwatka

This popular method of college instruction no longer works online so what do you do?

DiscussionsDiscussions

“On-line discussion boards are one way to provide interaction between instructor and students, and between students and students” Serwatka

“On-line discussion boards are one way to provide interaction between instructor and students, and between students and students” Serwatka

DiscussionsDiscussions

“Facilitate degree of interaction. a) No criticism should be allowed.

This is to encourage participation without the fear of being criticized. (i.e. Netiquette)

Jain

“Facilitate degree of interaction. a) No criticism should be allowed.

This is to encourage participation without the fear of being criticized. (i.e. Netiquette)

Jain

DiscussionsDiscussions

“b) Recognize contribution. Responses or suggestions should be given due recognition, be it in the form of praises or to be utilized further for other discussions. Most importantly, reward the act of knowledge sharing.”

Jain

“b) Recognize contribution. Responses or suggestions should be given due recognition, be it in the form of praises or to be utilized further for other discussions. Most importantly, reward the act of knowledge sharing.”

Jain

Advantage to DiscussionsAdvantage to Discussions

Students must participate And often students are more

willing to speak up online Tried hybrid class this semester -

students are much more outspoken online than in class

Students must participate And often students are more

willing to speak up online Tried hybrid class this semester -

students are much more outspoken online than in class

Informal discussionsInformal discussions

“Using exercises that provide an ‘ice breaker’ may help students get used to interacting with their peers. One method of doing this is to provide an informal discussion area.” Serwatka

“Using exercises that provide an ‘ice breaker’ may help students get used to interacting with their peers. One method of doing this is to provide an informal discussion area.” Serwatka

Virtual field tripsVirtual field trips

“virtual field trips, using on-line resources available for a specific discipline. Some examples include China Virtual tours, Virtual Tour of the Ear, and Historical Tour of the White House (Conrad and Donaldson, 2004).” Serwatka

“virtual field trips, using on-line resources available for a specific discipline. Some examples include China Virtual tours, Virtual Tour of the Ear, and Historical Tour of the White House (Conrad and Donaldson, 2004).” Serwatka

Flexible timeFlexible time Asynchronous instruction best Avoid having whole group online

chats/meetings (this defeats purpose of online instruction)

Small group might work if it is optional and have optional activities for the group (options, options, options)

Asynchronous instruction best Avoid having whole group online

chats/meetings (this defeats purpose of online instruction)

Small group might work if it is optional and have optional activities for the group (options, options, options)

Instructor website of resourcesInstructor website of resources

www.bocaz.com Syllabi and tips for online learning,

etc. Gives students a chance to know

about courses before signing up.

www.bocaz.com Syllabi and tips for online learning,

etc. Gives students a chance to know

about courses before signing up.

Fun and informativeFun and informative “making the material fun and

informative can engage the student and give them an incentive to complete the course and go on to others toward the completion of a degree. Providing on-line courses that are interesting and informative is one way to help retain students.” Serwatka

“making the material fun and informative can engage the student and give them an incentive to complete the course and go on to others toward the completion of a degree. Providing on-line courses that are interesting and informative is one way to help retain students.” Serwatka

Not enough interactionNot enough interaction

“it is not the type of interaction that is the problem, but rather the lack of interaction.” Serwatka

(This is probably the problem with my current Java class)

“it is not the type of interaction that is the problem, but rather the lack of interaction.” Serwatka

(This is probably the problem with my current Java class)

ExperimentExperiment I experiment with different ways to

do online courses. As I mentioned, my Java

programming class now doesn’t have enough interaction to keep student interest.

My computer literacy course was my first and has grown.

I experiment with different ways to do online courses. As I mentioned, my Java

programming class now doesn’t have enough interaction to keep student interest.

My computer literacy course was my first and has grown.

EvolutionEvolution My CS110 class evolved from a class that

was a face-to-face course forced online to an interactive web course.

My next step with this class is to experiment with individualized learning. For example, I plan to have choices of projects that are related to their career interests.

My CS110 class evolved from a class that was a face-to-face course forced online to an interactive web course.

My next step with this class is to experiment with individualized learning. For example, I plan to have choices of projects that are related to their career interests.

Try and try againTry and try again Trying multiple online courses and using

different teaching methods gives you a chance to see what is successful.

My basic web design classes have been very successful. Last semester I had zero drops from one course.

Why? Useful, fun, interactive? Or is the topic well suited to an online environment?

Trying multiple online courses and using different teaching methods gives you a chance to see what is successful.

My basic web design classes have been very successful. Last semester I had zero drops from one course.

Why? Useful, fun, interactive? Or is the topic well suited to an online environment?

4 tips to instructors4 tips to instructors

“publish requirements and set expectations ahead of time

establish relevance provide continuous encouragement use assessments”

http://www.learningcircuits.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

“publish requirements and set expectations ahead of time

establish relevance provide continuous encouragement use assessments”

http://www.learningcircuits.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

Your best designs?Your best designs?

Let’s discuss: What have you found to work best in an online environment?

Let’s discuss: What have you found to work best in an online environment?

PrescreeningPrescreening

Now you’re ready for students but are all students ready for online learning?

Online learning isn’t for everyone.

Now you’re ready for students but are all students ready for online learning?

Online learning isn’t for everyone.

Readiness surveyReadiness survey “For example, teachers should give

more attention to students' readiness prior to a distance class. Readiness surveys, computer skills surveys, and other questionnaires might help teachers pinpoint reasons for student success in an online environment.” Diaz

“For example, teachers should give more attention to students' readiness prior to a distance class. Readiness surveys, computer skills surveys, and other questionnaires might help teachers pinpoint reasons for student success in an online environment.” Diaz

Possible surveyPossible survey

Can you answer yes to these questions? Do you have access to a computer

and the Internet? Are you okay doing a lot of reading,

writing and typing?

Can you answer yes to these questions? Do you have access to a computer

and the Internet? Are you okay doing a lot of reading,

writing and typing?

No?No?

My response: If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to take a course that will help you prepare for these courses including developmental reading, a composition course, and an introductory computer course.

My response: If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to take a course that will help you prepare for these courses including developmental reading, a composition course, and an introductory computer course.

Other Survey?Other Survey?

http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/studevgt/onlinsts/right.htm

http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/studevgt/onlinsts/right.htm

The true test…The true test…

Do you have an email account? Do you have an email account?

Need tech skills?Need tech skills?

“Low-tech learners may need help with basic computer skills…

…Provide training if necessary… …schedule a classroom training session

for the computer or Internet skills they lack.” http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

“Low-tech learners may need help with basic computer skills…

…Provide training if necessary… …schedule a classroom training session

for the computer or Internet skills they lack.” http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

Help to learnersHelp to learners

Important to orient students http://grants.nmsu.edu/

gr_webcourses/CS110/overview.html

Important to orient students http://grants.nmsu.edu/

gr_webcourses/CS110/overview.html

Goal settingGoal setting What is the best distance learning

course for me? Does the course meet your needs? Do you have the background for the course? Are there any unusual requirements

[additional costs-field trip to Europe]? Is the homework a valuable part of the

learning process? Does the course lead to a degree?

What is the best distance learning course for me? Does the course meet your needs? Do you have the background for the course? Are there any unusual requirements

[additional costs-field trip to Europe]? Is the homework a valuable part of the

learning process? Does the course lead to a degree?

Student guidelinesStudent guidelines Motivation to read, write, and participate

fully in class activities Ability to work independently and in teams. Self-starter, does not procrastinate. Time management: set aside specific times on

a routine basis to 'participate' in the course. Can ask questions when they do not

understand. http://www.csus.edu/uccs/webct/student/character.htm

Motivation to read, write, and participate fully in class activities

Ability to work independently and in teams. Self-starter, does not procrastinate. Time management: set aside specific times on

a routine basis to 'participate' in the course. Can ask questions when they do not

understand. http://www.csus.edu/uccs/webct/student/character.htm

MotivationMotivation “Nevertheless, despite its

"convenience" and "flexibility" themes, motivation remains a persistent problem.”

“This "flexibility" also results in "lack of supervision" on the progress of students, further increasing the need to motivate them.” Jain

“Nevertheless, despite its "convenience" and "flexibility" themes, motivation remains a persistent problem.”

“This "flexibility" also results in "lack of supervision" on the progress of students, further increasing the need to motivate them.” Jain

Type of delivery?Type of delivery?

“there was really no significant difference in the effectiveness of one medium over another (cdrom, print, mail, online, etc.)

the choice of medium in itself does not guarantee effectiveness… the motivation that makes the difference.” Jain

“there was really no significant difference in the effectiveness of one medium over another (cdrom, print, mail, online, etc.)

the choice of medium in itself does not guarantee effectiveness… the motivation that makes the difference.” Jain

Student guidelinesStudent guidelines Time to devote approximately 12 hours

a week to a 3-credit course. I often suggest two hours a week per

credit. Good, basic computer skills with access

to a current computer and the Internet. Flexibility in dealing with technology

problems.

Time to devote approximately 12 hours a week to a 3-credit course. I often suggest two hours a week per

credit. Good, basic computer skills with access

to a current computer and the Internet. Flexibility in dealing with technology

problems.

Time and CultureTime and Culture

Time management can be a cultural issue. In student orientation materials, I try to make the following points: Budgeting your time involves making

a weekly schedule. Make time for your class and homework. Don’t leave it for the last minute.

Time management can be a cultural issue. In student orientation materials, I try to make the following points: Budgeting your time involves making

a weekly schedule. Make time for your class and homework. Don’t leave it for the last minute.

DeadlinesDeadlines I try to let students know that:

It’s better to plan time early in case the homework takes more time than expected or in case something comes up you can’t control.

What I’m really saying is that a deadline means you need to have the work finished. It’s not a date to start an assignment.

I try to let students know that: It’s better to plan time early in case the

homework takes more time than expected or in case something comes up you can’t control.

What I’m really saying is that a deadline means you need to have the work finished. It’s not a date to start an assignment.

Time managementTime management

“Learners should plan time to complete programs, inform their supervisors and peers, and should feel confident that the required time will be respected.” Hofmann

Another instructor told the story of how he had to tell his family that he had classes from 8am to 8pm so they’d respect his study time as well.

“Learners should plan time to complete programs, inform their supervisors and peers, and should feel confident that the required time will be respected.” Hofmann

Another instructor told the story of how he had to tell his family that he had classes from 8am to 8pm so they’d respect his study time as well.

Team support systemTeam support system

“Assign students to teams” Diaz

Experimenting with this now as an option… Navajo students in Pine Hill excited about the idea…

“Assign students to teams” Diaz

Experimenting with this now as an option… Navajo students in Pine Hill excited about the idea…

Support systemSupport system

Set lab times Help sessions Cell phone Email multiple times a day (virtual office

hours) Tech support contact for you and

students

Set lab times Help sessions Cell phone Email multiple times a day (virtual office

hours) Tech support contact for you and

students

Timely FeedbackTimely Feedback “They found that the second most-

mentioned request was active correspondence with an online facilitator with frequent virtual office hours.”

“A timely and constructive feedback is highly appreciated by all the students.” Jain

“They found that the second most-mentioned request was active correspondence with an online facilitator with frequent virtual office hours.”

“A timely and constructive feedback is highly appreciated by all the students.” Jain

SupportSupport

“But experience shows that many e-learners need more; they need support and encouragement from other human beings (Shepherd, 2000). Jain

“But experience shows that many e-learners need more; they need support and encouragement from other human beings (Shepherd, 2000). Jain

SupportSupport

“ a) provide clear grading criteria, b) remind students about

upcoming assignments, c) provide examples of desired

writing/assignments, Jain

“ a) provide clear grading criteria, b) remind students about

upcoming assignments, c) provide examples of desired

writing/assignments, Jain

SupportSupport

d) provide resource ideas for completing assignments,

e) assist students who are having problems (by e-mail, etc.) in completing the assignment,

f) acknowledge receipt of assignment, Jain

d) provide resource ideas for completing assignments,

e) assist students who are having problems (by e-mail, etc.) in completing the assignment,

f) acknowledge receipt of assignment, Jain

SupportSupport

g) return students' assignments with comments and grades, and

h) contact students who have not completed assignments even after the assignment due date and remind them about their non-submission of assignment.” Jain

g) return students' assignments with

comments and grades, and h) contact students who have not

completed assignments even after the assignment due date and remind them about their non-submission of assignment.” Jain

Follow-upFollow-up

Check up on students Email first but then…

students services - phone calls, letters, etc.

Check up on students Email first but then…

students services - phone calls, letters, etc.

What skills would you require?

What skills would you require?

Let’s discuss: What skills do students need to be successful?

Let’s discuss: What skills do students need to be successful?

Student ConfessionStudent Confession

“I don't want to be tortured with useless information. I want my learning in small, meaningful chunks that help me get my job done.” Drinis

“I don't want to be tortured with useless information. I want my learning in small, meaningful chunks that help me get my job done.” Drinis

Useful skillsUseful skills

“Students gain satisfaction from the opportunity to use newly acquired knowledge or skill in a real or simulated setting and by receiving feedback and reinforcement on their performance.” Moreira

“Students gain satisfaction from the opportunity to use newly acquired knowledge or skill in a real or simulated setting and by receiving feedback and reinforcement on their performance.” Moreira

RelevantRelevant

“It grabs and maintains the learner’s attention.

It is relevant to the learner’s life experiences with examples that the learner is familiar with. “ Moreira

“It grabs and maintains the learner’s attention.

It is relevant to the learner’s life experiences with examples that the learner is familiar with. “ Moreira

RelevanceRelevance

“Establish relevance… communicate the reasons why the content is important.” Hofmann

“Establish relevance… communicate the reasons why the content is important.” Hofmann

Assessment importantAssessment important

My weakest area but constant assessment can be the biggest motivator of online students. http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2003/aug2003/hofmann.htm Great article

My weakest area but constant assessment can be the biggest motivator of online students. http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2003/aug2003/hofmann.htm Great article

AssessmentAssessment

“Use assessments. Participants learn what they know will be assessed.” Hofmann

Keep records of interactions with students - great thing about online learning

“Use assessments. Participants learn what they know will be assessed.” Hofmann

Keep records of interactions with students - great thing about online learning

TestingTesting

“Make tests very close to real-life, perhaps using simulations rather than multiple-choice questions.” Drinis

“Make tests very close to real-life, perhaps using simulations rather than multiple-choice questions.” Drinis

Finding new measuresFinding new measures

“…measuring the depth of a student's involvement in an online course, such as use of the online library, time spent with an online mentor, or the number of email messages sent to classmates or the instructor.” Alexander

“…measuring the depth of a student's involvement in an online course, such as use of the online library, time spent with an online mentor, or the number of email messages sent to classmates or the instructor.” Alexander

Your assessmentYour assessment

Let’s discuss: What are some new ways you assess students online?

What has been the most effective for you?

Let’s discuss: What are some new ways you assess students online?

What has been the most effective for you?

Type of studentType of student

“Just because a learner has performed well in the classroom does not automatically mean that he or she will be successful learning online.” http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

“Just because a learner has performed well in the classroom does not automatically mean that he or she will be successful learning online.” http://www.learningcircuits

.org/2005/jan2005/geek.htm

Easy A?Easy A?

“Students take e-courses for the wrong reasons. Some students mistakenly assume that they can coast through e-courses”

C students who coast in face-to-face classes often can’t pass online courses. Diaz

“Students take e-courses for the wrong reasons. Some students mistakenly assume that they can coast through e-courses”

C students who coast in face-to-face classes often can’t pass online courses. Diaz

Final gradesFinal grades

“online students received twice as many "A" grades, while traditional students received twice as many "D" and "F" grades in a general health education class” Diaz

“online students received twice as many "A" grades, while traditional students received twice as many "D" and "F" grades in a general health education class” Diaz

Student profile gradesStudent profile grades

“Diaz also found that successful online students exhibited a higher average GPA prior to enrollment in the online course (avg. GPA = 3.02) than unsuccessful students (avg. GPA = 2.25).” Diaz

“Diaz also found that successful online students exhibited a higher average GPA prior to enrollment in the online course (avg. GPA = 3.02) than unsuccessful students (avg. GPA = 2.25).” Diaz

E-school Drop-outE-school Drop-out

“When you were in high school, drop-outs were people who didn't make it. For them, the learning experience was a failure.” Alexander

We need to see if the students drop web courses to take face-to-face classes or do they drop school all together?

“When you were in high school, drop-outs were people who didn't make it. For them, the learning experience was a failure.” Alexander

We need to see if the students drop web courses to take face-to-face classes or do they drop school all together?

Good to drop?Good to drop? "drop rate" as a characteristic

synonymous with "academic non-success." However, I believe that many online students who drop a class may do so because it is the right thing to do… Thus, by dropping the class, they may be making a mature, well-informed decision” Diaz

"drop rate" as a characteristic synonymous with "academic non-success." However, I believe that many online students who drop a class may do so because it is the right thing to do… Thus, by dropping the class, they may be making a mature, well-informed decision” Diaz

Great retention articlesGreat retention articles

http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/Resources/keeping.htm

http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/Resources/keeping.htm