Online: Facilitating Student Success Using the OEI Readiness Modules John Freitas, ASCCC Executive Committee Moderator Anita Crawley, Online Education Initiative (OEI) Joe Perret, Los Angeles Pierce College

Agenda OEI 101 Preparing students for online success Need for readiness services Development of the tutorials Usages Prior to the beginning of the term During the term Inside and outside the online classroom

OEI 101

Resources for Online Students Quest for Online Success/Readiness Program Online Tutoring Online Counseling Proctoring (online and network) Equity Services

Tutorial Development

OEI Readiness Services Repurposing the multimedia tutorials Quest for Online Success Comprehensive Workshop (OEI pilot schools only) Readiness multimedia tutorials – Creative Commons license – (available to all) from: http://apps.3cmediasolutions.org/oei/

To Improve Online Success Students need: to know what to expect from online learning and how to use the technology to know their instructor/the institution care about their success easy access to resources that support their success

A Little from the Literature Increasing demand for online courses Lower success and completion rates in online courses Support resources needed before first online course and throughout enrollment Just-in-time, easily accessible (embedded and unbundled) support resources likely to have the most impact during term

Usages Comprehensive Quest for Online Success Orientation to Online Learning Course (Joe) Multimedia tutorials in academic courses (Anita)

Putting the Online Readiness Tools into a Course “OEI Online Learner Readiness is designed to assist California Community College students in developing the skills required to be successful online learners. ”

Preparing Student for Online Courses Many articles point to the same things…. Online failure rates are higher than traditional classes Major reasons: New, unfamiliar pedagogy Lack of fundamental computer skills No understanding of how to use technology in online courses Online courses are not for everyone See this one Effective Student Preparation for Online Learning by Maggie McVay Lynch of UNC

Need for an Online Orientation Course Short-term, low risk introduction to the Online Pedagogy Learn how to use the CMS Understand their learning styles – is online learning for me? Hands-on experience with an Online Course.

How to Succeed in an Online Course (CAOT 133) “This course is intended for students wishing to enroll for the first time in an online class. It covers the basic navigation of the online environment including how to post to forums, take quizzes, submit assignments, etc. as well as the soft skills needed to be successful in an online course” • 1- Unit • 5-Week • Fits into Winter or Summer Intersessions • Can be offered Online or Hybrid • Credit/noCredit (Pass/Fail)

Incorporated OEI Online Student Readiness Tutorials • Engaging Multi-Media • Great self-assessment tools • Canvas Ready • Modular based (mix and match) Creative Commons licensing, available to all and may be repurposed to meet the unique needs of an individual college.

How the class is presented Weekly basis Kick-Off Meeting Start each week with online (could be f2f) meeting Use built in Canvas Conferencing (BigBlueButton) Recorded for asynchronous viewing Go over module goals, lecture materials, assignment Answer questions Give credit for attending or watching (bury “secret word” into session

How the class is presented - continued Each Week contains Objectives Kick-Off Meeting Links Lecture Material Quiz (based on reading) Assignments

How the class is presented…continued Textbook to augment online tools Power Up: A Practical Student's Guide to Online Learning http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/ power-up-a-practical-students-guide-to-online-learning-9780132788199?xid=PSED

Student Readiness Modules/Tools Readiness Tools Used Course Student Readiness Modules/Tools Start-Up! None Identify Strengths/Weak SmarterMeasure Interactive Self-Assessment Tool Introduction to Online Learning Module 1 – Online Learning Overview Getting Tech Ready Module 2 – Tech Ready Becoming an Effective Online Learner Modules 3-6: Organizing for Online Success, Online Study Skills (Student Schedule), Managing Time (Daily Schedule Calculator), Communication Skills for Online Learning, Online Reading Strategies Instructional Support Module 9 – Instructional Support Personal Support Module 10 – Personal Support Financial Planning Module 11 – Financial Planning (Cost Calculator) Wrap Up!

Start Up! Goals of Start-Up! Develop rapport with instructor and fellow students Orientation students to the CMS (Canvas) Understand course requirements Solve early technical problems Development fundamental CMS skills Online Orientation Conference and follow-up

Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses Goals: How personal attributes, life style, approach to learning and skills fit with online environment How to improve any weak areas and optimize strengths

Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses Activities include: Taking the SmarterMeasure Assessment Quiz on textbook reading Reflections on what SmarterMeasure report says, and what you should do about it

SmarterMeasure A web-based assessment Measures readiness for succeeding Based on non-cognitive indicators of success SmarterMeasure indicates the degree to which an individual student possesses attributes, skills, and knowledge that contribute to success All seven components are grounded in theoretical research and practice.

SmarterMeasure - 7 Components Individual Attributes Motivation, procrastination, willingness to ask for help etc Life Factors Availability of time, support from family and employers, finances, etc Learning Styles Based on multiple intelligences model Technical Competency Skills with using technology Technical Knowledge of technical terms On-Screen Reading Rate and Recall Typing Speed and Accuracy

Introduction to Online Learning Goals: Understand the difference between online and classroom instruction Know the myths and realities of online learning Activities Quizzes on textbook and video Reflections myths/procrastination

Getting Tech Ready Goals: Hardware and software requirements Value of fast Internet connection Locate and download plug-ins Email Basics Obtain tech support Working in group online

Becoming an Effective Online Learner Goals Organizing your space, your course materials and yourself Tips and tricks for time managements Importance of setting up a schedule Perils of procrastination Communicate effectively online Difference between reading in print and online Strategies to stay focused

Instructional Support Goals - student success basics: Time on task Scheduling study time Benefit of studying with others Online tutoring and basic skills support How to access online instructional support services

Personal Support Goals: How personal issues can create barriers to academic success How issues such as test anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse and stress affects academic success Where and how to find support for these concerns

Financial Planning Goals: Ways of paying for college Managing money while in college Financial aid basics How to find online financial aid and planning resources

Wrap Up! Goals: Reinforce key concepts of this course Plans for next online course Learning activities for all modules Quizzes on readings and videos Reflection papers Online discussion Summary paper

Integrating Readiness & Student Support Materials in Academic Courses Expand student use Set expectation that support is integrated part of learning experience Make use a requirement (tutoring, academic advising, career resources, study skills etc) Enhance connection to institution especially in online courses Blend the lines between AA/SS (bring down the silos) Tutorials

Brainstorm Activity From a course design perspective: Goal – embedding support tools in your online course How do you describe the tools to students? Where do you locate the tools in your course?

Brainstorm Activity From an online instructor perspective: Goal – connecting students to the resources How do you know when students are in trouble? What do you do to connect students to embedded resources? What are the key components for effective online support service referrals?

Final Comments Additional Resources Orientation to Online Learning Diigo Account (online articles) Contact Information Joe Perret PerretJD@PierceCollege.edu Anita Crawley acrawley@comcast.net