Synchronous Online New Student Orientation : Using Technology to Build Community and Create Connections Bridget Boston, MPA Lawrence Cozzens, Ph.D. Stephanie Nissen, MPA

Today’s Presentation Introduction Rationale for presentation Overview of Villanova’s online degree program Structure of synchronous online orientation session and content outline Overcoming Obstacles Effective communication Technical training Building community during the orientation Broader Application Synchronous Program Information Sessions Development of student resource library and asynchronous orientation programs What does this mean for your program? Questions/Sharing

Villanova Online Degree Programs Program Design Fully online Partner with vendor- Bisk Education Required weekly synchronous sessions LMS- Blackboard and Vendor created LMS 8 week sessions, accelerated programs with rolling admissions Use Adobe Connect for synchronous online weekly course meetings

New Student Orientation Basic Elements Communication Invitation w/ adobe link sent to new students upon admission into the program Link posted in their LMS and or posted in Welcome upon entering LMS Information about equipment needed, such as headsets or external webcam Timing Monday evening of the first week of the session before classes that evening Technology Adobe connect Webcams and headsets Recorded Session

New Student Orientation Overcoming Common Obstacles in Online Programs Communication Establishing effective modes of communication and connecting with online students Technical Skillset Provide opportunity for students to use technology and test equipment Remove the “fear of the unknown” and introduce them to their peers Educate students on classroom etiquette and introduce them to quick fixes for technology issues- remove burden from teaching faculty Building Community Connecting students to one another and to the University

Communicating Session Information: Best Practices and Effective Techniques Best practices for communicating in online environment Using technology to create and communicate session information and access to students Modes of Communication: Discussion Boards Professors Notes Live Lectures - Recording Availability s

Communicating Session Information LMS Discussion Board

Communicating Session Information LMS Professor’s Notes

Communicating Session Information LMS Live Lecture - Scheduled Session

Communicating Session Information LMS

Communicating Session Information University

Technology Training Adobe Connect Main topics for technical training: Microphones Webcams Chat Other functions and features Increasing comfort and familiarity

Technology Training Adobe Connect Audio/Visual: Microphone and Webcam

Technology Training Adobe Connect Audio/Visual: Microphone and Webcam

Technology Training Adobe Connect Interactive Chat (individual and group) Attendee Status (Discussion Questions)

Technology Training Adobe Connect Adobe Connect Feature 1.Webcam 2.Microphone 3.Chat 4.Attendee Status Practice/Engagement 1.Introductions 2.Introductions/Discussion Questions, Q&A 3.Welcome, Introductions, Q&A 4.Survey/Discussion Questions

Technology:Building Community Virtual Tour of LMS and University Systems Resources Available to Students Incorporating Community Members

Technology:Building Community Learning Management System Weekly Syllabus Professor Notes/Announcements Communication , Virtual Classes Group Study Resources

Technology: Building Community Learning Management System Links in LMS

Technology:Building Community Learning Management System Student portal

Technology: Building Community Resources Available to Students - Librarian Available by Prepared guides YouTube instructions

Technology: Building Community Resources Available to Students - Learning Support Services Workshops via webinar and recordings Meetings via phone/Skype Tools

Technology: Building Community Resources Available to Students - Writing Center Dedicated tutor Available by appointment Workshops

Technology: Building Community Resources Available to Students - Other services Wildcard - Student ID Career Services

New Student Orientation: Broader Application Virtual Information Sessions Engage Alumni and Current Students Creation of Asynchronous Orientation Session

Broader Application: Virtual Information Session

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students

St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students Encourage campus visits and tour Or Virtual Tour

Falvey Library

Libraries look different these days

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students Graduation Reception Ceremony

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students Mentoring Open to Alumni and Current students - campus and on-line 3 years of HR experience. Matched based on interests. Meet monthly Oct-May. Usually Skype or other virtual methods.

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students Live stream Key notes Remote speaker - robot All recorded and available

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students Students and Faculty Intros & Icebreaker Breakout rooms Video of President

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students St. Thomas Day Community service

Broader Application: Engage Alumni and Current Students Network with other Villanova Alumni Publicized through Student Blog and Faculty posting

Broader Application: Creation of Asynchronous Orientation Session Synchronous Session → Development of Asynchronous Course Early Access Resource Library Continuous Evolution

Questions and Sharing How can we learn from each other?