Increasing student success in eLearning courses in the Virginia Community

College System

Richard

Sebastian, PhD

r

ichard.se

bastian@ g

mail.com

(804) 840-5357

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sy of wiangya

In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.

-Al Rogers

Student SuccessIncrease the number of students

graduating, transferring, or completing a workforce credential by 50 percent, including increasing the

success of students from underserved populations by 75 percent.

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What we know

eLearning is an attractive option for learners

What we know

eLearning is an attractive option for VCCS learners

http://myfuture.vccs.edu/research/DLreports.htm

8.1%

3.7%

What we know

eLearning can be a successful method of delivering instruction

What we know

There are well-established methods for improving student success in eLearning through preparation & support: 1. Identify students who are “right” for eLearning2. Prepare them for learning online3. Provide them with ongoing support & targeted

interventions

http://www.vccaedu.org/inquiry/inquiry-spring-2008/1-13-Harrell.html

What we know

There are well-established methods for improving eLearning student success through effective instruction: 1. Encourage Contact Between Students and Faculty2. Develop Reciprocity and Cooperation Among Students3. Use Active Learning Techniques4. Give Prompt Feedback5. Emphasize Time on Task6. Communicate High Expectations7. Respect Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning

http://www.tltgroup.org/programs/seven.html

What we know

What we need to know

What we need to know

• What makes a successful online learner?• What does effective and engaged online

learning look like?

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What we need to know

• What does effective online teaching look like?

• How do community colleges leverage the affordances of technology to create effective, efficient, and affordable eLearning programs?

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The Plan

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The Plan

Data-driven

Learner-centered Collaborative

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The PlanUse robust data collection and analysis to:• identify best practices in eLearning development & delivery that improve student success• inform policies that support the implementation of eLearning best practices• establish successful eLearning development and delivery standards

The PlanUse robust data collection and analysis to:• identify and target training needs of faculty to meet eLearning standards• identify opportunities for efficiencies in eLearning course development & delivery• facilitate opportunities for college collaboration and resource sharing

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Recommendations

• Learner• Teacher• Course• System

Needs Assessment

The Plan

TrainingsResource

sCollaborati

on & Partnership

s

Data

Policy

See handout

See handout

Questions?

Richard Sebastian, PhDrichard.sebastian@ gmail.com(804) 840-5357

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