The document discusses providing student support services for online learners. It emphasizes taking a holistic approach to support students from initial recruitment through graduation. This involves raising awareness of online learning options, providing orientation tools to help students determine if online learning is suitable, and building an online community to help students feel connected to the broader college community. It also stresses the importance of faculty, staff and students all being present and engaged in virtual spaces to effectively support online learners.

1. Student Services for Online Learners Providing Information and a Voice for Students Online Carey Larson

2. “ Successful student support is a result of every aspect of a program, from a prospective student’s first awareness of the program to graduation day, working in an integrated fashion to maintain the student’s engagement and process. ” - Granger, D. & Benke, M. (1998) Supporting Learners at a Distance from Inquiry Through Completion.

3. A Holistic Approach Consider every stage of the experience:

4. A Holistic Approach Consider every stage of the experience: Prospect

5. A Holistic Approach Consider every stage of the experience: Prospect  Applicant

6. A Holistic Approach Consider every stage of the experience: Prospect  Applicant  Student

7. A Holistic Approach Consider every stage of the experience: Prospect  Applicant  Student How do we recruit, orient, engage and retain students? How do we help them build community?

8. Raising Awareness What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice?

9. Raising Awareness What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice? Students with full time jobs

10. Raising Awareness What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice? Students with full time jobs Students with families

11. Raising Awareness What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice? Students with full time jobs Students with families Students who prefer an online learning environment

12. Raising Awareness What can you tell prospects about the concept of online learning and why it is a viable choice? Students with full time jobs Students with families Students who prefer an online learning environment Students who cannot be on campus

13. Orientation Provide tools for students to determine if online learning is right for them.

14. Orientation Supplements Online Learning Self-Assessment Quiz: Typing to communicate is overwhelming for me □ true □ false Being at the computer for more than a few minutes is a form of torture □ true □ false When I write I can take the time to organize my thoughts better than when I talk □ true □ false

15. Other methods…

16. ? ? ? Eliminate the unknown ? ?

17. Supporting Online Learners Consider their perspective: Online learning is how they connect

18. Supporting Online Learners Consider their perspective: Online learning is how they connect Email communication Online resources Virtual office hours Online community spaces

19. Building Community Outside the Classroom How do you build and sustain online learning communities? The goal: CONNECTION Allow students to feel connected to the greater college community.

20. Being Present & Having a Presence “ The value of education lies in social participation and active involvement in community ” -Wenger, E. (1999) Communities of practice: Learning, meaning and identity. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. In an online environment everyone has to be present to have a presence

21. Being Present & Having a Presence “ Strive for presence…when participants in an online (course) help establish a community of learning by projecting their personal characteristics into the discussion – they represent themselves as ‘ real people ’ ” -Pelz, B. (2004) (My) Three Principles of Effective Online Pedagogy

22. Choose your tools…

23. Adaptability Working with students to find the best solution What are your students needs? Will students come to you or will you reach out to students? Avenues for both? Is there a culture of willingness among students? Faculty? Staff? Find tools you can customize for your purposes Keep in mind size and scope of the institution, available resources, capabilities and needs

24. Final Thoughts The key is to be present and make a presence. Get involved. Build relationships. Make it real.

25. Final Thoughts The key is to be present and make a presence. Get involved. Build relationships. Make it real. Tell your truth