Online Orientation Program: Checking Assumptions to Support Student Success

• In Event: 51.066 - Supporting Online Student Success for All

Abstract

It is important to consider what support is available to orient students to become successful online learners as post-secondary educational institutions launch online programming. From the literature, students who participate in orientation experiences have increased levels of success when compared to peers who do not. Using a design-based research approach, an evidence-based online orientation program for students was developed. A key element of this research was to identify and address the assumptions that students, designers, and instructors have related to online learning. Findings from the study attend to expectations that incoming students have about online learning, and how such an orientation program affects students’ perceived abilities to be successful in online learning environments.

Authors

• Jennifer Lock

• Carol Johnson, University of Melbourne

• Alicia Adlington

• Jane Hanson

• Yang Liu, University of Calgary