TALKING

• Utah State University ’ s partnership with Northrup Grumman allows employees to turn their vocation into a degree .

Institutions want to attract students . Employers want to train their workers . It ’ s a win-win solution . But only if a university ’ s robust virtual learning makes it possible .

Personalize the virtual experience with a low student-to-advisor ratio

Dr . Evangeline Tsibris Cummings , Assistant Provost and Director of University of Florida ( UF ) Online , said : “ A onesize-fits-all approach to virtual learning is impossible .”

To serve a student population ranging in age from 12 to 75 , UF Online invested in a cadre of academic advisors . This low advisor-to-student ratio ensures students feel connected to campus and gives UF valuable insight into the student experience .

Cummings says for a massive institution like the UF , tethering students to a buddy is invaluable for personalizing a virtual experience and helps UF retain students .

Institutions want to attract students . Employers want to train their workers . It ’ s a win-win solution . But only if a university ’ s robust virtual learning makes it possible .

Ensure online course quality with peer review

Aminy encouraged institutions to set up their own local processes for ensuring the quality of online courses .

With CVC ’ s Peer Online Course Review ( POCR ) rubric as their guide , faculties review courses for content presentation , interaction and assessments . In addition , the review determines if accessibility requirements are met .

“ Campuses can use CVC ’ s rubric as a roadmap for designing new online courses , improving existing courses , or as a foundation for setting up their own local review process ,” said Aminy .

Use data for diversity

Cummings said the prevalence of online learning presents an amazing moment for campuses not only to pivot and be more competitive but also to be more welcoming to non-traditional students .

“ The accessibility , flexibility and multi-pathway nature of online learning should be inextricably linked to your focus on diversity and equity ,” said Cummings .

Using data is a key step in meeting diversity goals . Aminy said institutions too often make assumptions about what students need . This ‘ parentalism ’ – requiring prerequisites for instance – can be a detriment to students ’ educational goals .

Chase the data to determine if an online course is designed for successful student outcomes . Ask questions like : How many students are passing this course ? Is there retention ? Are prerequisite policies impacting certain minorities disproportionately ? Are working students dropping a certain modality of learning and why ?

Panelists predicted that 10 years from now we will see an even more fluid , more personalized higher education experience . To remain relevant , institutions need to embrace online learning beyond a pandemic necessity and as a new reality . p

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