Abstract
Student orientation programs can enhance new student self-esteem, which is in turn a significant positive predictor of personal, social, and academic achievement (Hickman, Bartholomae, & McKenry, 2000). Furthermore, these programs can help students develop the basic technical skills they will need to be active learners. According to Dixson (2010), research into effective online instruction supports the argument that “online instruction can be as effective as traditional instruction, [and] to do so, online courses need cooperative/collaborative (active) learning, and strong instructor presence.” Likewise, online orientation programs for new students must provide opportunities for active engagement and strong facilitator presence to be effective. This chapter presents a case study that describes the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the online orientation modules for new students at a Canadian postsecondary institution that offers primarily blended and online programs.
TopIntroduction
Orientation programming is commonplace at colleges and universities across North America; it is understood that as students begin their studies, they are undergoing a transition and students benefit from a structured orientation experience (Mack, 2010). Although research on orientation and transition programming predominantly focuses on traditional university populations (18-22 year old, undergraduate students at four-year institutions), evidence suggests that transfer students and students returning to education after working or being away from structured educational settings also derive benefit from orientation and transition programs, including increased academic success and social integration (Kirchner, 2015; Mayhew, Vanderlinden, and Kim, 2010). Jacobs (2010) outlines the benefits and purposes of orientation programs, including: “(a) disseminating information, (b) reducing costly errors, (c) building a framework for academic success, (d) building community, and (e) defining campus culture” (p. 30). Jacobs’ list highlights the wide-ranging scope of comprehensive orientation programs and the level of expectation placed on transition programs for new students.
Gall (2014) conducted a study to determine if an in-person library orientation would serve students better than an asynchronous online orientation. The results of the study support that there was no difference in retention rates between the in-person and online orientation. However, the online orientation improved students’ self-efficacy (p. 286). Self-efficacy is one’s prediction of performance based on perceptions about one’s ability to complete a task or behavior (Lim and Kim, 2003). Self-efficacy affects attitudes, motivation, and student success. Based on Cho’s (2012) recommendations, online orientations can increase students’ self-efficacy in several capacities: interacting with peers and the instructor for academic purposes, self-regulating in online learning, effectively using the tools of the learning management system (LMS), and preparing students for social interaction with peers in the online environment. This chapter describes the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the online orientation modules, hereafter called LaunchPad, for new students at Royal Roads University (RRU) located in British Columbia, Canada.
Setting the Scene
Three RRU students prepare to begin their program of study and they all have sundry needs and apprehensions. Student A is Tim, a 45 year old working professional who resides in western Canada. Student B is Kai, a 19 year old international student from China. Student C is Mary, a 22 year old transfer student who resides on Canada’s east coast. Each of them composes an email to their respective program contacts to communicate a unique set of anxieties.
Tim’s Email
When I received notification of my acceptance into the master’s program I was extremely elated. Now that my euphoria is gone, I am feeling some anxiety. I am not very efficient at using technology and so being in a blended program that uses so many e-tools will require a steep learning curve. I need help.
Kai’s Email
It is exciting that I am coming to Canada and starting my program with the International Study Centre at your University. I am feeling a bit nervous and need to ask some questions. Where will I live? How do I apply for a work permit? How do I communicate with my classmates and instructors? I am feeling excited but also uneasy about this experience because there are so many things that will be new for me.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Online Program: A formal program of study that is delivered to learners via the Internet and can include both synchronous and asynchronous technologies.
Blended Program: The primary delivery model offered at Royal Roads University that requires students to attend on-campus residencies for up to two weeks per year while taking the remaining weeks of the program online.
Learning Management System (LMS): The online delivery platform used in educational settings that includes an integrated set of tools for teaching and learning including; gradebook tool, quiz tool, discussion tool, feedback tool, assignment submission tool, wiki tool, blog tool, and presentation of content in a variety of formats (text, image, video, audio, animations, simulations, and more).
Learning and Teaching Model (LTM): The core components that are reflected in programs across Royal Roads University to ensure the mission of the institution is achieved.
Orientation: An intentional series of events, activities, and learning opportunities designed to assist students in transitioning into their program of study and to equip students with the required information and skills to succeed.
ADDIE: An instructional systems design (ISD) framework used to design and develop instructional materials that includes five phases; analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate.
SECTIONS Analysis: A framework developed by Bates and Poole (2003) that provides guidelines for appropriate selection of technology tools within educational settings.
On-Campus Program: A formal program of study that requires students to be physically present for delivery of learning activities.