1. Orient Me: Transitioning to the Online Learning Environment Melissa Meeker Dr. Kelli Whittington Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe

2. Objectives Examine the impact of an online and face-to- face orientation to assist students in their transition to an online nursing environment. Compare and contrast the online and face- to-face models for assisting students in online learning. Explore the online model used at McKendree University

3. Online Program RN to BSN Program MSN Program Dual MSN/MBA Educator Manager Palliative Care

4. Literature Review Online learners “must feel a sense of comfort that will enable them to participate in the online environment” (McQuaid, 2010, p. 190). Gilmore & Lyons (2012) found that a mandatory face-to-face orientation reduced attrition from 20% to 1%.

5. Literature Review According to Gilmore and Lyons (2012), “a quality online program requires a well- designed orientation” (p. 45)

6. Orientation 2012 Mandatory UNI 105 was designed for the RN to BSN students UNI 505 was designed for the MSN students 2013 Elective First face-to-face orientation at each of our three campuses

7. Online Orientation- Melissa Meeker Online orientation

8. Face to Face Orientation- Dr. Kelli D. Whittington -Meet & Greet format -Based on student request -Invitations -All Faculty -Multiple Staff -IT PowToon

9. Summary Valuable information can be provided to students in the orientation process Orientation is vital to the success of online learners Retention can be enhanced with a strong orientation

10. Questions?

11. References Gilmore, M. & Lyons, E. M. (2012). Nursing 911: An orientation program to improve retention of online RN-BSN students. Nursing Education Perspectives, 33(1), 45-47. McQuaid, J. W. (2010). Using cognitive load to evaluate participation and design of an asynchronous course. The American Journal of Distance Education, 24, 177-197. doi: 101080/08923647.2010.519949

12. References Reilly, J. R., Gallagher-Lepak, S. & Killion, C. (2012). “Me and my computer”: Emotional factors in online learning. Nursing Education Perspectives, 33(2), 100-105.