Preparing Students for an Online Learning Community

Designing an Effective Online Orientation

November 9, 2001

Academic Systems works in partnershipwith higher education to facilitate the

growth and expansion of the effective useof web-based technology in the teaching

and learning process.

Our Mission…

Seminar Topics

What are the differences between the content, process, and timing of online and face-to-face orientation activities?

What are the critical components of an online course orientation?

How can one assess a student’s completion and understanding of the orientation activities?

Introduction – Who to Orient?

First time students First time online students (broad

orientation) All online students (course

specific orientation)

Introduction – What to Orient?

Campus requirements and policies Navigational tools and platform

functions Course specific items Campus resources and contacts Requirements for online learning

Introduction – When to Orient?

Prior to registration for any course Prior to registration for a particular

program At the beginning of a course During a course During the student’s tenure at the

institution

Introduction – Where/How to Orient?

Distance - Internet In-person (other campus setting) In-person (during course) Distance - Video Distance - Telephone

Activity #1

Differences between Online and F2F Orientation Activities

Discussion topic:

Compare and contrast the purposes that a student orientation serves in f2f and online courses.

List your top 5 purposes for student

orientations in online courses and how

those compare or contrast to f2f

orientations.

Introduction – Why Orient?

Bridge transactional distance Set expectations Build

connection/rapport/community Provide information about support

services Increase readiness for online

learning and course success

Critical Components of an Online Course Orientation – Examples

Darton College – Intro to Stats Houston Com. College – Online

course orientations Grossmont College District –

Online learner orientation UCLA Extension Student Services

– Online learner orientation

Critical Components of an Online Course Orientation

Online Easy to use and access (student

tested?) Contains both course specific and

general college information Provides information on technical

requirements and support

Critical Components of an Online Course Orientation (cont.)

Requires use of tools that students will use during the course (platform, chat, discussion board, email, etc…)

Provides guidance and resources for first-time online students

Explains instructor and student roles

Suggested Online Orientation Activities

Syllabus quiz Welcome discussion Introductory chat Initial email Distance learning discussion Syllabus discussion Resources FAQ Technical support FAQ

Orientation Activities (cont).

Visits to campus resource websites followed by discussion

Instructor audio introduction Visits to “Netiquette” sites Email or chat with “mentor”

students

Assessment of Orientation Activities

Two levels Completion

Formal system statistics Instructor check in system Automatic completion receipt

Understanding Rubrics Orientation “quiz” Student/instructor interaction

Activity #2

Creating an Online Orientation Activity

Develop an Online Orientation Activity

Use the questions on the second page or your packet to help you design and describe an orientation activity for one of your courses.

Wrap-up

Workshop evaluation Facilitator contact

dgaudet@academic.com Company website

http://www.academic.com