Online Student Orientations

A Good Orientation Covers...

· Basic computer skills

· Discussion of time management required

· How an online course differs from face to face

· Interactions between instructor and students

· Giving feedback to fellow students

· Appropriate and inappropriate interaction and communication

· How to get help

Source: Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2003). The Virtual Student. a Profile and Guide to Working with OnlineLearners. the Jossey-Bass Higher and Adult Education Series. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Welcome Aboard:

Institutions Have Adopted a Wide Range of Techniques for Preparing New Learners for Success in Online Courses and Programs

This article discusses the importance of online orientation for students and gives examples of the many ways institutions are designing programs for this purpose. The author compares the traditional on-campus orientation, which involves learning about locations such as the library and understanding other available facilities and services, with online orientation. The material can be similar but the needs of the online student are different.

Developing an Orientation for First-Time Online Students

In this article an administrator shares her direct experience with designing and implementing an orientation program for online students at a community college located in Texas. In the designing the author focuses specifically on the student need of technical training and support.

4 Tips for Using Support Services as an Online Student

This article presents the other side of the coin. Instead of discussing how institutions can provide online services, it addresses the best way for students to access these services. It encourages students make sure they have all the details of their problem at hand and then seek out where best to take their issue. The article also addresses etiquette, encouraging students to be gracious and persistent, not unreasonable and threatening.

The Importance of Icebreakers in Online Classes

This article Northwestern School of Professional Studies discusses how to use icebreakers to create a sense of community in the classroom.

Some Thoughts on Connecting Students to the College Campus

This is my (Sophfronia Scott) video project and infographic exploring the idea of increasing online student retention by helping students feel connected to the university's physical campus.