Reference no: EM133393259
Assignment:
Q1. Supporting Online StudentsAnita Crawley and Andy HoweHigher education is experiencing a transformation to which online learning is making a significant contribution. In just a little more than a decade, online learning has spurred exciting changes in teaching and learning at colleges and universities. As more and more students take advantage of online learning, providing face-to-face services for all students is becoming an increasingly challenging model of delivery. Because of this transformation, it is critical to learn new ways of delivering services to support online student success. Professionals in student affairs are helping to shape the transformation by using innovative applications of technology to support online students. Some examples that enhance the student experience include using social media to build communities of online learners, gamification to engage learners, and reward-driven actions such as badges (Anderson & Rainie, 2012).
Although student affairs professionals use technology to support on-campus students, more effort needs to be made to support students who are unwilling or unable to come to campus. This chapter addresses growth of online learning, services needed to support online learner success, the role of student affairs in supporting online learners, benefits of cross-departmental collaboration, and the potential of a seamless online learning environment.
The chapter concludes with sections about accountability and innovative strategies institutions have used to improve student retention, success, and completion. Growth of Online LearningAccording to the eleventh annual report on the state of online learning in US higher education, 7.1 million college students are taking at least one online course. This reflects a 6.1 percent growth rate over the previous year, representing 400,000 additional students participating in an online learning course (Allen & Seaman, 2013).
For more than a decade, growth in online enrollments has been fueled by institutions seeking to expand access to education and students demanding more convenient ways of earning certificates and degrees. Although those reasons for increasing enrollments will persist, institutions may face additional pressure from secondary school students who come to college having already had an online experience and who want more (Project Tomorrow, 2013).
1. As you reflect on this reading, which specific topic or issue resonates the most with you? Why?
2. What big question regarding institutional change remains unanswered?
3. What did you gain from reading these articles?
Q2. Consider the dramatic changes which have occurred in online higher education during the past decade.
- Which do you find most significant?
- What changes do you foresee in higher education over the next five years?