211+Stevenson

Strength in numbers: Strategies for motivating and retaining online students || Carolyn Stevenson, Kaplan University, Illinois, United States, CStevenson@kaplan.edu Ginger Cameron, Kaplan University, Florida, United States, gcameron@kaplan.edu || Distance education provides many non-traditional students with the opportunity to pursue a college education not possible through traditional brick and mortar education. Although not meeting face-to-face, a solid developmental curriculum and academic resources help promote a stronger connection between the classroom and student community. This presentation will discuss strategies for motivating and retaining online students. Topics include: the role of assessment and academic readiness; the role of strong developmental curriculum and faculty in promoting student success; and the use of an online Resource Center for enhancing student engagement, providing academic support, and promoting collaborative activities.
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Introduction Academic success begins prior to the first day of classes. Assessment of student academic readiness can target the strengths and weaknesses of individual students. Based on assessment scores, students can then be directed into first-term courses suited to individual ability. This ranges from high-achieving students in Honors courses to students in need of additional instruction in writing and reading in Foundations courses.

Resources available outside the classroom can assist in community building and academic support. Designing a Resource Center serves as a “one-stop shop” for academic resources and activities and helps provide academic support as well as a way to build collaboration beyond the classroom.

Curriculum and resources assist in the transformation of an online classroom from a passive receptor of information to an environment that promotes involvement and learning from all members.

Curriculum Initiatives Kaplan University offers support for developmental students through a series of Foundations courses. Students complete a pre-enrollment assessment to determine their strength in reading and writing. Based on the scores of the assessment, students are tiered into Honors, traditional, or Foundations classes. The Foundations courses provide students with the opportunity to strengthen skills in writing, reading, and math prior to matriculation into their degree programs. Additionally, tutoring services are available through a math and writing center. At the Writing Center students can have a live chat with a tutor or can email questions to tutors and explore the reference library on topics such as the writing process, research, citation and plagiarism, as well as writing mechanics. Students also have the option of submitting written papers for feedback before submitting them to professors for grading. A Math Center is also available for students to work with a live tutor. There are also mathematics modules students can explore to read about topics such as fractions, exponents, algebraic expressions, equations with variables and more.

The Kaplan University Honors Program contributes to excellence in education by enriching and enhancing the degree programs of qualified students. The Honors Program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills in both professional and academic arenas. To this end, the Honors Program promotes intellectual and personal development through curricular and co-curricular initiatives. Ultimately, the Kaplan University Honors Program reflects the University’s stated missions of commitment to general education, applied scholarship, and student-centered service and support.

Resource Center This is a “one-stop shop” for all students to find valuable resources and program information throughout their time at Kaplan University. Academic resources are available for additional classroom support that include simulations, interactive learning activities, and practice exercises. Faculty also conduct office hours and special seminars in the Resource Center, allowing students to ask questions in a real-time format.

Community is essential to students in the online environment. The Resource Center also serves as way to host seminars on topics related to student majors as well as general student interest. For example, past seminars have included topics such as financial aid, career services, and “Ask the Dean.” In addition, it provides a natural avenue for students to serve as mentors for each other, providing the guidance and encouragement that can only come from other students. || General Session Workshop All ||
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