Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Creating a Sense of Community: Online Student Unions, Chats, Discussion Boards Presenter: Landon K. Pirius Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar Inver Hills Community College

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius The Presenter

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Questions from Last Week What do you do to promote a sense of community both online and on-campus?What do you do to promote a sense of community both online and on-campus? Do your students feel a connection to your institution and to others at your institution?Do your students feel a connection to your institution and to others at your institution? Other burning questions from last week.Other burning questions from last week.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Introduction Developed from multiple perspectivesDeveloped from multiple perspectives –UofM student –Former online university employee –MnOnline Peer Reviewer –MSU, Mankato Distance Learning Taskforce Member –Proponent of technology Not institution specificNot institution specific

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Presentation Layout Broad discussion of community buildingBroad discussion of community building Includes web linksIncludes web links Includes:Includes: –Bringing the campus to the student –Innovate tools to promote community –Accessibility –Commonly asked questions

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Understanding Your Students Institutions must understand who their students are in order to provide appropriate services.Institutions must understand who their students are in order to provide appropriate services. –Digital Native vs. Digital Immigrants –Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Students –Generations X, Y, and Z vs. Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Digital Native vs. Digital Immigrant Use of computers, the Internet, and advanced technologyUse of computers, the Internet, and advanced technology According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project (2005), “The number of teenagers using the internet has grown 24% in the past four years and 87% of those between the ages of 12 and 17 are online. Compared to four years ago, teens’ use of the internet has intensified and broadened as they log on more often and do more things when they are online. Among other things, there has been significant growth over the past four years in the number of teens who play games on the internet, get news, shop online, and get health information.”According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project (2005), “The number of teenagers using the internet has grown 24% in the past four years and 87% of those between the ages of 12 and 17 are online. Compared to four years ago, teens’ use of the internet has intensified and broadened as they log on more often and do more things when they are online. Among other things, there has been significant growth over the past four years in the number of teens who play games on the internet, get news, shop online, and get health information.”

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Traditional students (18-24) are becoming non- traditionalTraditional students (18-24) are becoming non- traditional Non-traditional students can be defined as:Non-traditional students can be defined as: –Over 25 –Mid-career –Ethnically diverse –Having families –Possessing less free time More non-traditional students are seeking an education that fits their needs and their schedules versus having to adapt to the institution’s needs or schedulesMore non-traditional students are seeking an education that fits their needs and their schedules versus having to adapt to the institution’s needs or schedules

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Generations X, Y, and soon Z is essential form of communication is essential form of communication Internet is about choice: it is what they want, when they want itInternet is about choice: it is what they want, when they want it Interaction is essentialInteraction is essential Need attractive, hip, and well-designed websitesNeed attractive, hip, and well-designed websites – – How will we handle a generation taught by computers and artificial intelligence?How will we handle a generation taught by computers and artificial intelligence?

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius The New Environment The student population is more mixed now than ever before.The student population is more mixed now than ever before. –Digital natives mix with digital immigrants –Generations X and Y mingle with baby boomers and their parents –Traditional students coexist with non-traditional students What does this mean for institutions?What does this mean for institutions?

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius What Does this Mean for You? A single approach to administering services is no longer viable or appropriate Increased demand for accessible services. Increasing competition from other institutions, particularly online institutions.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Keep in Mind Always keep the student in mindAlways keep the student in mind Our obligation.Our obligation.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Question Break #1 I will take 5 minutes to answer questions at this point. I will have breaks throughout the presentation and at the end of the presentation.I will take 5 minutes to answer questions at this point. I will have breaks throughout the presentation and at the end of the presentation.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Do You Fit In? What would make you feel comfortable?What would make you feel comfortable? –Personal contact? –Physical presence? –Auditory cues? –Body language? –Verbal discussion? None of this is present in a virtual, text-based environment!!None of this is present in a virtual, text-based environment!!

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Creating a Sense of Community (SoC) Introduction According to WCET, it is essential that “The institution recognizes that a sense of community is important to the success of many students, and that an ongoing, long-term relationship is beneficial to both student and institution.”According to WCET, it is essential that “The institution recognizes that a sense of community is important to the success of many students, and that an ongoing, long-term relationship is beneficial to both student and institution.” Schools spend thousands or millions a year: on-campusSchools spend thousands or millions a year: on-campus Schools spend little to nothing: onlineSchools spend little to nothing: online Invest in online community=success in recruitment and retentionInvest in online community=success in recruitment and retention No investment in online community=failure and loss of students to competitorsNo investment in online community=failure and loss of students to competitors

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Do We Need an Online SoC? In short, yes.In short, yes. In the academic year, , over 3 million students at 2- and 4-year institutions participated in online courses. 48% of these students studied at 2-year public institutions; 31% studied at 4-year public institutions; and 19% studied at 4-year private institutions.In the academic year, , over 3 million students at 2- and 4-year institutions participated in online courses. 48% of these students studied at 2-year public institutions; 31% studied at 4-year public institutions; and 19% studied at 4-year private institutions. The lines of distinction are blurring because both online AND on-campus students are online.The lines of distinction are blurring because both online AND on-campus students are online.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius SoC Basic Concepts Minimize isolation=increased retention and satisfactionMinimize isolation=increased retention and satisfaction Formal learning is not the only way students learn.Formal learning is not the only way students learn. –Interactions –Informal and non-formal Face-to-face and online differencesFace-to-face and online differences –In a face-to-face environment, there are many opportunities to connect. –In a face-to-face environment, there is sight (body language), sound (words), touch, and taste. –In an online environment, there is no physical connection (yet); everything is virtual.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Getting Started: Bring the Campus to the Students Provide informational materials and newsletters onlineProvide informational materials and newsletters online Provide all on-campus services onlineProvide all on-campus services online Pictures and biographies of faculty and staffPictures and biographies of faculty and staff Student government/online electionsStudent government/online elections as the official means of communication as the official means of communication

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Getting Started: Bring the Campus to the Students Cont. Chat rooms, weblogs (blogs), and discussion boardsChat rooms, weblogs (blogs), and discussion boards – CommencementCommencement Web castsWeb casts –Sporting events –Presentations –Speakers Clubs and support groupsClubs and support groups

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Innovative Strategies Online student unionsOnline student unions “Facebook”“Facebook” PortfoliosPortfolios PortalsPortals Virtual worldVirtual world

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Online Student Unions Student run, administrator oversightStudent run, administrator oversight Best examples are in the UKBest examples are in the UK Include:Include: –Discussion boards, chat rooms, and blogs –Online elections –Event news –Pictures –Items for sale (including textbooks) –Weather, news, sports –Entertainment (bars, clubs, etc)

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Online Student Unions Cont. Good online student unions –h–h–h–h tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... ssss uuuu ssss uuuu.... oooo rrrr gggg //// –h–h–h–h tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... uuuu pppp ssss uuuu.... nnnn eeee tttt //// –h–h–h–h tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... uuuu cccc llll uuuu.... oooo rrrr gggg ////

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Online Student Unions Cont. Others sites to visit: –h–h–h–h tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... aaaa uuuu ssss uuuu.... oooo rrrr gggg //// –h–h–h–h tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... cccc iiii tttt ssss uuuu.... iiii eeee //// –h–h–h–h tttt tttt pppp :::: //// //// wwww wwww wwww.... uuuu dddd ssss uuuu.... cccc oooo.... uuuu kkkk

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Question Break #2 I will answer questions for approximately 5 minutes.I will answer questions for approximately 5 minutes.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Facebook Founded in 2004Founded in 2004 Facebook connects people to social networks at colleges and universitiesFacebook connects people to social networks at colleges and universities A new version was recently released for high schoolsA new version was recently released for high schools Anyone with a school address can joinAnyone with a school address can join Extensive social web:Extensive social web: –You can be friends with anyone, anywhere

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Facebook Cont. Incredibly addictingIncredibly addicting –“Yes, it has its perks. You can join groups, advertise parties and connect with people from class. But students constantly find themselves pausing in the middle of homework and refreshing their home page on Facebook just to see if they have pending group or friend confirmations, pokes or notes” There are some potential drawbacks to FacebookThere are some potential drawbacks to Facebook

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Portfolios Student centered toolsStudent centered tools Ties the student to the institution because it shows a history and profile of that student at your institutionTies the student to the institution because it shows a history and profile of that student at your institution Being used in higher education as well as K-12Being used in higher education as well as K-12 Information follows the student, so a student could present part or all of their K-12 portfolio as part of their college application.Information follows the student, so a student could present part or all of their K-12 portfolio as part of their college application.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Portfolios Cont. Can include:Can include: –Collection of student academic work For storageFor storage For sharingFor sharing For assessmentFor assessment –Pictures –Data files –Personal information –Links to important services and functions

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Portfolios Cont. Can be used by:Can be used by: –Students –Faculty –Life-long learners Sample portfoliosSample portfolios – (student) – (faculty) – (student)

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Portals Portals can be the same or different from portfolios and unions.Portals can be the same or different from portfolios and unions. A portal is a gateway.A portal is a gateway. Single password entry.Single password entry. Allows students to access anything and everything once logged in.Allows students to access anything and everything once logged in.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Portals Cont. Good examples of portalsGood examples of portals – – – ham/compass/layout/public/help_guestlogins.jsp ham/compass/layout/public/help_guestlogins.jsphttps://my.nottingham.ac.uk/media/uk/ac/notting ham/compass/layout/public/help_guestlogins.jsp

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Portals Cont. Other sites to visit:Other sites to visit: – –

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Question Break #3 I will answer questions for approximately 5 minutes.I will answer questions for approximately 5 minutes.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Virtual Worlds A virtual world is a world that exists entirely online. The virtual avatar (user) interacts with other virtual avatars and the virtual world. Is this the future of colleges and universities? “Flow”-Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Virtual Worlds Cont. MMORPG’sMMORPG’s –Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game –Virtual worlds within MMORPG’s already create a sense of community. –The most popular MMORPG (Everquest) has tens of thousands of people interacting within a virtual world at any given point. –Everquest’s virtual world (Norath) is the 77 th richest country in the “real” world. The average hourly wage is $3.42 and the GDP is $135 million (equal to that of Bulgaria).

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Virtual Worlds Cont. Why do I mention MMORPG’s?Why do I mention MMORPG’s? –An educational MMORPG could be created in which students learn, interact, and feel part of the college/university. Sample MMORPGsSample MMORPGs – – – online/us/nai/index.jsp online/us/nai/index.jsphttp:// online/us/nai/index.jsp

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Are Your Services Accessible Who is using your services?Who is using your services? Who is NOT using your services and why?Who is NOT using your services and why? Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) –ADA compliant website

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Questions to Ask Yourself What strategies and practices are implemented by my institution to involve distant students as part of an academic community? By their statements and actions, do our administrators and participating faculty members communicate a belief that a sense of academic community is important?

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Questions to Ask Yourself Cont. How are the learning needs of students enrolled in electronically offered programs identified, addressed, and linked to educational objectives and learning outcomes, particularly within the context of my institution’s definition of itself as a learning community?How are the learning needs of students enrolled in electronically offered programs identified, addressed, and linked to educational objectives and learning outcomes, particularly within the context of my institution’s definition of itself as a learning community? Do representative students feel that they are part of a community, or that they are entirely on their own?Do representative students feel that they are part of a community, or that they are entirely on their own?

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Resources Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications (WCET)Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications (WCET) – – guide/guide.htm guide/guide.htmhttp:// guide/guide.htm Center for Transforming Student ServicesCenter for Transforming Student Services – Other web sources as listed throughout the presentationOther web sources as listed throughout the presentation

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Questions? The remainder of the time will be spent answering questions.The remainder of the time will be spent answering questions. Any remaining questions will be answered within a week of this presentation.Any remaining questions will be answered within a week of this presentation.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Session 3: Online Orientation November 17November 17 What is an online orientation?What is an online orientation? Types of online orientations:Types of online orientations: –4 types –Examples of all 4 types

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Session 3: Online Orientation Think about:Think about: –How do you currently orient your students? Your online students? –If you have an online orientation, how does it compare to your on-campus orientation? – your thoughts and any burning questions to: by Monday, November 14 th.

Presentation is the intellectual property of Landon K. Pirius Presenter Information Landon K. PiriusLandon K. Pirius