Instructional Technology
Conference 2007
Title:
Online Success Seminars: Supporting the Distance Learner
Name: Seth “Skip Sparkman, Dr. Charles Lea, Mary Nunaley
Audience Level: All
Audience:
faculty, presidents, deans, instructional technology specialists
Length:
1 hour
Abstract:
Volunteer State’s Distance Learning office responded to faculty and student feedback asking for assistance to strengthen student potential in distance classes. Support ranged from greater awareness of distance delivery methods, strategies for success in online and hybrid courses, technical tips in the cyber world, staying in touch with instructors and classmates, and tips to navigate course management systems. This session will introduce the Volunteer State Online Success site and its five major components.
Description:
As the Volunteer State Community College Distance Learning program expanded with, more courses, more delivery modes and greater numbers of students, it became apparent we had a need for assisting students in their distance learning endeavors. Faculty and students requested assistance in working with technology in the learning environment. The request went beyond the usual calls for help with our course management system, but with many technology related issues occurring in face to face and distance courses.
Most general education core and selected major courses may be completed through Videotape Telecourses, Online courses and CD-ROM courses. Students can complete most degree requirements by combining distance learning, weekend, and traditional courses while maintaining work schedules and family responsibilities.
Distance Learning activities include "College @ Home":
- Videotape Telecourses
- CD-ROM courses
- Online courses
- Hybrid courses (blend of face-to-face and online)
- Regents Online Degree Courses
- Interactive Television Classes between the main campus and other sites
Volunteer State’s Distance Learning Department developed “Student Success Seminars” which are scheduled prior to the start of each semester and within the first week of each semester. Students may voluntarily attend to focus on success strategies for distance courses. Additionally, a companion website has been developed to support the seminar attendees and students who are not able to attend the “Success Seminars to:
- Make decisions on the best choice for courses and delivery modes
- Take a readiness checklist to determine their skill levels and equipment needs for specific types of distance courses
- Gain knowledge on the skills to succeed in distance courses
- Assure they have proper technical skills to work in the online arena
- Recognize the need for “staying in touch with instructors and classmates
- Gain some valuable course managements system tips for ease of navigation and progression in courses.
This presentation will provide an overview of our Success Seminars and demonstrate the Volunteer State Community College “Distance Learning Success Site”
Session Type: Presentation
Contact information/affiliation:
Skip Sparkman
Director Distance Learning
Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, TN 37066 -
Email: skip.sparkman@volstate.edu
Phone 615.230.3668
Dr. Charles L. Lea
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, TN 37066
Email: charles.lea@volstate.edu
Phone 615.230.3555Mary Nunaley
Instructional Designer
Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, TN 37066
Email: mary.nunaley@volstate.edu
Phone 615.230.3334