Helping Students Succeed in Distance Learning. Utilizing ACC Resources

Transcription

1 Helping Students Succeed in Distance Learning Utilizing ACC Resources

2 Distance Learning classes offer ACC students a convenient way to earn college credit. Course content and transferability is identical to classes offered on campus, so students have more scheduling options and a wider selection of classes to meet their needs. but we know that

3 Number of students taking at least 1 Distance Learning class: Fall 2012: 9261 Spring 2013: 9055 Summer 2013: 8446 Data Source: OIEA 12 th Class Day Data As of August 20, 2014 Registration Report, over 8500 students are registered for DL. (Largest Campus of ACC)

4 Number of students only taking online Distance Learning classes: Fall 2012: 3028 Spring 2013: 3181 Summer 2013: 4728 Data Source: OIEA 12 th Class Day Data

5 These numbers clearly show how necessary and important the support systems at ACC are to the college. This presentation is to help make you aware of the services available so you can guide students to help them succeed at ACC.

6 Online Services and the Online Schedule The registration process is the same for Distance Learning classes as it is for Face-to-Face classes. The Online Services page provides a login and menus with available services and instructions.

7 Online Services and the Online Schedule The Online Schedule provides information for students to make appropriate choices for their upcoming classes. More accurate course notes and other information available here translates to better prepared students. Links are also available to instructor contact information and course syllabi.

8 Online Services and the Online Schedule One might say that the course note is really an instructor s first contact with a student. It is important to have accurate, meaningful information to list here, often including information on the course orientation to help the student get started. Faculty can provide their course notes through an online form on the DL website.

9 Online Services and the Online Schedule DL Faculty receive s from Distance Learning alerting them to the online course evaluation schedule each semester. Students will complete their evaluations through Online Services. Additional information can be found on the DL website during the evaluation periods.

10 Advising and Counseling Services Carol Townsend Distance Learning Counselor Pinnacle Campus

11 Blackboard Learn is ACC s current Learning Management System (LMS) Faculty can get assistance with Blackboard by visiting the Faculty Support page designed and managed by Instructional Development Services or by talking with an Instructional Designer on your campus. Students can be referred to the Student Support page for tutorials and usage questions.

12 Distance Learning Website Resources There are several resources that students may be referred to on the DL website to help them succeed in their courses. The new Student Guide to DL is a good place to start. Students can utilize DL 101 to test themselves on their readiness for Distance Learning courses. (We are currently developing a new diagnostic process to help students ensure that DL is right for them. Look for it later this year.)

13 Distance Learning Website Resources There is also a new module that has just been launched, DL Path to Success, that highlights the support services that are available at ACC to help students succeed. The module could be linked in syllabi or as part of course orientations, so students are aware of the help they can receive.

14 Distance Learning Website Resources DL instructors should also take advantage of our Early Intervention Program if students neglect to do their orientation on time or otherwise fall behind in class. An easy to fill out online form is available on the Faculty Guide to DL page.

15 Distance Learning Website Resources Distance Testing is a service offered by Distance Learning that continues to be an important asset to students in completing their coursework if they relocate away from the Austin area. In the past 3 semesters, students have utilized DT to complete their courses 353 times, including 29 in international locations. We consistently work to make the program more efficient while keeping the process safe and secure.

16 DL Help Page The site is designed to assist the DL student in obtaining helpful information and quick access to an array of resources applicable. An added plus is a Live Chat feature that allows a Student Services representative to offer live feedback to students across the globe interested or currently in DL coursework. Menu items available outside of normal business hours are: Guide to DL (Enrollment, Registration and Academic policies), Guidance to Student Services, Academic Testing, Tutoring, Advising and Blackboard.

17 DL Library Services Library Services offers support specific to the needs of DL students. (A link is also found on the Student Guide to DL.) Additionally, Library Services have recently added 2 new toolboxes to provide academic support to students and faculty.

18 Tutoring Students can access Smarthinking online tutoring through the ACC Blackboard support and services menu. This under-utilized resource could be a great help to many DL students.

19 Additional Resources for Faculty The Faculty Resources page at the DL website provides many links to resources for faculty. Quicklinks are available to: ACC faculty resources, student resources, tech support, Distance Learning Associations, elearning Organizations, and DL Conferences in Texas. Instructional Resources and Technology also provides a great deal of support for DL instructors.

20 Wrap-Up Questions & Comments