Unpacking Online Outcomes: Applying Research to Improve the Online Community College Learning Experience

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

Based on qualitative and quantitative research of online courses in the Virginia Community College System, this symposium presents findings that explore the reasons behind low online student outcomes and provide recommendations to improve online teaching and learning. With increases in online course offerings and student enrollment, these findings provide valuable insight into the future practice of online education. The presentations explore why students enroll in online courses, expectations of students and instructors within the online environment, effective uses of technology, and how course quality affects student outcomes. In addition to presenting empirical findings, the presentations will provide practical recommendations for improvements in online courses.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Section 2: College Student Access, Success, and Outcomes

Chair

• Nikki Edgecombe, Teachers College, Columbia University

Papers

• Beyond Flexibility: Why Students Choose Online Courses in Community College - Shanna Smith Jaggars, Teachers College, Columbia University; Nikki Edgecombe, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Virtual Courses and Tangible Expectations: How to Align Student and Instructor Opinions of Online Courses - Rachel Julia Bork, The Wallace Foundation

• Not Just Bells and Whistles: Effective Use of Multimedia to Advance Online Learning - Nikki Edgecombe, Teachers College, Columbia University; Zawadi Rucks-Ahidiana, Teachers College, Columbia University; Melissa Barragan, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Predicting Online Student Outcomes From a Measure of Course Quality - Di Xu, Teachers College, Columbia University

Discussant

• Barbara M. Means, SRI International