VIRTUAL VENTURE

Myths, Truths, and Tips for online learning success

Agenda: New to online learning experienceWhat we’re learning from our students: Success,

Myths and TruthsTips & an advisor resourceWe welcome your stories and participation,

questions too!

Population of OSU online learners

2013-2014 Students taking online classes

Campus students 9664Distance students 5806

49% of the OSU campus student population took at least one online course

New learning experience

Navigation Work-Life Balance

Interaction

Interactions for successful learning

Student

Instructor

Content

Student

Let’s straighten that out…

Myths and Truths about Online Courses…

Won’t require much of my time

• Different commitment of time• Unscheduled/unrequired time• Possibly more time than in the classroom

• Reliable Internet access – yes!• Syllabus: computer/software requirements• OSU Computer Help Desk, LMS Help,

youtube• Of course, technology is just one factor of

success in an online courseTIP: Find a personal “go-to” tech supportTIP: Ecampus Computer Check

Internet access is all I need

• Flexible, yes! • Requires intentionalityTIP: Establish a Regular schedule

2-3 hours per credit hourOrganization or flow of courses can varyDue dates – weekly?

TIP: Wear your colors!

Fits easily into my schedule

• Same academic standards, faculty• More reading & writing• Many components each week• Technology learning curve• Additional challenge: self-management

Easier than my other classes

• Required participation in discussion boards• Shared student work is a possibility• Increases success factors: connection to

institution, networking, persistence• Online communication for students who prefer

taking time to respondTIP: Initiate relationship with instructor

I can be anonymous in my class

Often, more interaction is requiredIntro Discussion Board ForumQ&A Forum often answered by peersGrouped discussion, chat, projects

TIP: Take a class with someone you knowTIP: Be proactive: trade email address with classmates

It’s harder to make friends

• More and more, team involvement• Mimics the professional world• Discussion boards and collaborative groups• Formal and Informal

TIP: Students are using Google Apps to collaborate easily

I won’t have any team projects

I’ll be on my own – who can help?

• Instructor first• Course elements• AdvisorTIP: Seek out academic support

On-campus: The Academic Success CenterEcampus Student Support: Student Success Counselors & Ecampus Success Blog

• Yeah… nope.• Students report #1 element of satisfaction is

instructor interaction• Instructor contact info, office hours• Peer-to-peer and other support

My instructor is online 24/7

There’s no real difference between online and traditional classes

• Obviously, a different approach to same outcome• Outperforming, U.S. Department of Education

(2010)• Positive impact on career & educational readiness

Success Begins Early

Handout, please share widely:

How to be successful in the First Weeks

Thank you!

Kyle CassadyEcampus Career Counselor, Instructorkyle.cassady@oregonstate.edu

Amy RileyEcampus Success Counselor, Instructoramy.riley@oregonstate.edu