Online Learning: Try it – You might like it!

Dennis White, Smart Start Program Coordinator

Linda Hubble, Senior Instructional DesignerLisa Stepanovic, Senior Instructional Designer

How is taking your first online course like visiting Mall of

America?

Online Reality

• Retention in online courses is at least 10-20% lower than in face-to-face courses.

Ten Factors Affecting Retention inOnline Courses

1. Support services 2. Early submission of work with instructor feedback 3. Clearly stated student expectations before &

throughout course 4. Student orientation5. Relevancy and accuracy of course content and design 6. Faculty preparedness 7. Student locus of control 8. Age of students 9. Student participation 10.Social integration into cohort and peer-to-peer

support *K. Shanley, 2011

Student Orientation

• It’s important that students have an opportunity to experiment with the tools and technology required for the class before the critical elements of the class are introduced.

Idea: What if students learn the technical skills and decide if online learning is

a fit for them before they sign up for an online course!

What We Did at STLCC• Integrated an online learning experience

into our Smart Start Student Success course.• Three components:

1. Course Navigation tutorial2. Blackboard Orientation3. Online Learning Week

Purpose of Smart Start Student Success

• The Smart Start Student Success course is designed to enhance students’ knowledge, behaviors, and skills needed for successful transition to college.

Who Are Smart Start Students?

• Those who test into Developmental Reading and/or English – co-requisite requirement

• Anybody else – optional• Academic probation – per counselor

recommendation

Smart Start274 Sections since F126,268 students

Course ThemesKnow YourselfKnow Your EnvironmentPlan, Monitor & Adjust

Online Experience•Piloted Spring 2013•Rolled out to all sections Fall 2013

Why We Added an Online Component

• 45% of all students will take at least one online course.

• Nearly all instructors use an LMS to some extent.• Using technology is critical to college success.• Provides a “low stakes” opportunity to be an

online student.• Helps students decide whether online courses

might be a good fit for them.

Smart Start Technology Skill Acquisition

• Week 1 – Begin LMS orientation• Week 2 – Take first online quiz• Week 3 – Monitor grades and feedback• Week 5 – Submit an assignment online• Week 7 – Participate in an online

discussion• Week 9 – Online Learning Experience

Online Learning ExperienceModule Design

• Use existing Blackboard On-Demand videos

• Supplement with STLCC-specific information

• Not just button-pushing, but contextualized

• Addresses common problems

Orientation to STR 050 Navigation

1. Course Navigation tutorial

2. Blackboard Orientation3. Online Learning Week

Blackboard Orientation Embedded in STR 050

1. Course Navigation tutorial

2. Blackboard Orientation

3. Online Learning Week

6 modules6 modules

1. Explanation2. Demonstration3. Practice4. Quiz

1. Explanation2. Demonstration3. Practice4. Quiz

Online Week

• Course Navigation tutorial• Blackboard Orientation

tutorials• Online Learning Week

Student Participation Options

• independently off-campus• independently from locations on

campus (labs, library, own laptops); instructor on campus during scheduled class time

• in a computer classroom with instructor; request help as needed

I like online classes because it gives me time to concentrate and have more understanding.

I could access the information and

assignments anywhere – I loved it!

I liked the discussion

board the most. It was a

good way to communicate.

Loved the flexibility, interaction and the

plan layout.

I find it challenging. I learn better

with a physical person helping

me.

Keeping up with the online conversations during the week was

challenging.

If I knew how to type faster, it would help me with the assignments.

I can tell it requires a lot of reading and I hate reading.

Student Feedback

My students were somewhat frustrated with their online

experience, but reflecting on it later, they thought they might try an online class.

Instructor Feedback

Many people assume that traditional students “know” the technology, but they really don’t.

Some of my students decided to try online classes; others decided online wasn’t for them.

Students adapted easily to the online class experience; I

hardly received any calls.

My students felt like their Smart Start experience prepared them for a future online class.

Expanding the Idea

• Integrate Smarter Measures tool• Orientation for all students before they

register for an online course• Smart Start 100 course- college-ready

students• Additional technology orientations:

– Student email– Banner; midterm & final grades, financial

aid

How can you/have you applied these ideas?

Questions/Feedback