Transcript Synchronous Online New Student Orientation

Synchronous Online
New Student
Orientation:
Using Technology to Build Community and Create Connections
Bridget Boston, MPA
Lawrence Cozzens, Ph.D.
Stephanie Nissen, MPA
Today’s Presentation
• Introduction
• Rationale for presentation
• Overview of Villanova’s online degree program
• Structure of synchronous online orientation session and content outline
• Overcoming Obstacles
• Effective communication
• Technical training
• Building community during the orientation
• Broader Application
• Synchronous Program Information Sessions
• Development of student resource library and asynchronous orientation
programs
• What does this mean for your program?
• Questions/Sharing
Villanova Online Degree Programs
• Program Design
• Fully online
• Partner with vendor- Bisk Education
• Required weekly synchronous sessions
• LMS- Blackboard and Vendor created LMS
• 8 week sessions, accelerated programs with rolling admissions
• Use Adobe Connect for synchronous online weekly course meetings
New Student Orientation
Basic Elements
• Communication
• Invitation w/ adobe link sent to new students upon admission into the
program
• Link posted in their LMS and or posted in Welcome Email upon entering LMS
• Information about equipment needed, such as headsets or external webcam
• Timing
• Monday evening of the first week of the session before classes that evening
• Technology
• Adobe connect
• Webcams and headsets
• Recorded Session
New Student Orientation
Overcoming Common Obstacles in Online Programs
• Communication
• Establishing effective modes of communication and connecting with online
students
• Technical Skillset
• Provide opportunity for students to use technology and test equipment
• Remove the “fear of the unknown” and introduce them to their peers
• Educate students on classroom etiquette and introduce them to quick fixes for
technology issues- remove burden from teaching faculty
• Building Community
•Connecting students to one another and to the University
Communicating Session Information:
Best Practices and Effective Techniques
• Best practices for communicating in online environment
• Using technology to create and communicate session information and
access to students
• Modes of Communication:
•Discussion Boards
•Professors Notes
•Live Lectures - Recording Availability
•Emails
Communicating Session Information
LMS
Discussion Board
Communicating Session Information
LMS
Professor’s Notes
Communicating Session Information
LMS
Live Lecture - Scheduled Session
Communicating Session Information
Email
LMS Email
Communicating Session Information
Email
University Email
Technology Training
Adobe Connect
• Main topics for technical training:
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Microphones
Webcams
Chat
Other functions and features
• Increasing comfort and familiarity
Technology Training
Adobe Connect
• Audio/Visual: Microphone and Webcam
Technology Training
Adobe Connect
• Audio/Visual: Microphone and Webcam
Technology Training
Adobe Connect
• Interactive Chat (individual and group)
• Attendee Status (Discussion Questions)
Technology Training
Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect Feature
1.Webcam
2.Microphone
3.Chat
4.Attendee Status
Practice/Engagement
1.Introductions
2.Introductions/Discussion Questions,
Q&A
3.Welcome, Introductions, Q&A
4.Survey/Discussion Questions
Technology:Building Community
• Virtual Tour of LMS and University Systems
• Resources Available to Students
• Incorporating Community Members
Technology:Building Community
Learning Management System
• Weekly Syllabus
• Professor Notes/Announcements
• Communication
Email, Virtual Classes
• Group Study
• Resources
Technology: Building Community
Learning Management System
• Links in LMS
Technology:Building Community
Learning Management System
•Student portal
Technology: Building Community
Resources Available to Students - Librarian
• Available by email
• Prepared guides
• YouTube instructions
Technology: Building Community
Resources Available to Students - Learning Support Services
• Workshops via webinar and recordings
• Meetings via phone/Skype
• Tools
Technology: Building Community
Resources Available to Students - Writing Center
• Dedicated tutor
• Available by appointment
• Workshops
Technology: Building Community
Resources Available to Students - Other services
Wildcard - Student ID
Career Services
New Student Orientation:
Broader Application
• Virtual Information Sessions
• Engage Alumni and Current Students
• Creation of Asynchronous Orientation Session
Broader Application:
Virtual Information Session
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
Encourage campus visits and tour
Or Virtual Tour
Falvey Library
Libraries look different these days
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
•Graduation
•Reception
•Ceremony
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
Mentoring
• Open to Alumni and Current students - campus and on-line
• 3 years of HR experience. Matched based on interests.
• Meet monthly Oct-May. Usually Skype or other virtual methods.
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
• Live stream Key notes
• Remote speaker - robot
• All recorded and available
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
• Students and Faculty
• Intros & Icebreaker
• Breakout rooms
• Video of President
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
• St. Thomas Day
• Community service
Broader Application:
Engage Alumni and Current Students
• Network with other Villanova Alumni
• Publicized through Student Blog and Faculty posting
Broader Application:
Creation of Asynchronous Orientation Session
• Synchronous Session →
Development of Asynchronous
Course
• Early Access
• Resource Library
• Continuous Evolution
Questions and Sharing
How can we learn from each other?