Cultivating Confidence: Strategies for Advising Non-Traditional Students in an Online Environment Kathy Bradley Wachovia Partnership East East Carolina University North Carolina NACADA Drive-In Conference February 25, 2011 Cultivating Confidence to Grow Teachers: Successful Strategies for Non-Traditional Students in a 2+2 Online Model

Who Are Online Learners? Why Do Learners Choose Online Programs?

“The following characteristics and skills are perceived as critical to the success of the online learner: Having a strong academic self-concept. Exhibiting fluency in the use of online learning technologies. Possessing interpersonal and communication skills. Understanding and valuing interaction and collaborative learning. Possessing an internal locus of control. Exhibiting self-directed learning skills. Exhibiting a need for affiliation.” 1 Nada Dubbagh, George Mason University (2007) Characteristics of Successful Online Learners

3 C’s to Cultivate Confidence in Online, Non-Traditional Students  Communicate  Connect  Care

Ten Tips for Online Advising 10.Communicate regularly with reminders. 9.Provide multiple options for regular communication (telephone, Skype, webinar software, , Second Life, text).Second Life 8.Provide links to 24/7 information (Blackboard/Moodle site for advisees, web page for students)

Designated areas for cohorts

Ten Tips for Online Advising 10.Communicate regularly with reminders. 9.Provide multiple options for communication (telephone, Skype, webinar software, , text, Second Life). 8.Provide links to 24/7 information. 7.Require regular advising sessions.

Types of Advising Sessions (most effective to least effective) Face to Face Meeting Online webinar- Centra, WizIQ, GoToMeeting, WebEx, Wimba etc. Voice and/or Video – Skype Voice Only - Telephone Written word only - or snail mail

Screen shot from advising webinar

Sanity Tips Place a picture of the student in his/her advising folder. Keep written documentation of all advising. Send a copy to the student to clarify and confirm information. Use an online calendar to schedule advising appointments.

Example of Follow Up Written Document to Send after Advising

Online Calendars Tungle Jiffle Doodle Tungle Demo

Tungle vs. Jiffle Tungle can be set to allow users to select one meeting time which will eliminate the requirement to confirm appointments. Tungle has apps for mobile devices. Tungle allows appointments in 15 minute increments. Jiffle uses 30 minute increments. Jiffle requires confirmation of meetings. Jiffle allows user to set visibility for specific groups of invitees. Both Tungle and Jiffle sync to MS Outlook.

Ten Tips for Online Advising 6.Connect students to campus. (examples: links to news about campus accolades, sporting events, etc.) 5.Facilitate communication between students (i.e. study buddies, dedicated discussion board). 4.Hold virtual “office hours.”

Ten Tips for Online Advising 3.Hold students accountable. Online does not mean on your own. 2.Encourage, encourage, encourage. 1.Let students know you care. ”No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” — Theodore Roosevelt

COMMUNICATE 10.Communicate regularly with reminders. 9. Provide multiple options for communication (telephone, Skype, webinar software, , text, Second Life). 8.Provide links to 24/7 information. 7.Require regular advising sessions. CONNECT 6.Connect students to campus as much as possible. (examples: links to news about campus accolades, sporting events, etc.) 5. Facilitate communication between students (i.e. study buddies). 4. Hold virtual “office hours.” CARE 3. Hold students accountable. Online does not mean on your own. 2. Encourage, encourage, encourage. 1. Let students know you care.

With Effective Advising… Tomorrow will produce a bumper crop of successful, confident learners!

Contact Information Kathy Bradley Link to Presentation and Handout:

Sources: Dabbagh, N. (2007). The online learner: Characteristics and pedagogical implications. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education [Online serial], 7(3). Available: Brown, A. (2008, September 28) ECU Professor Abbie Brown Uses Second Life [Video File]. Retrieved from