Online Student Orientation Programs: Are We Getting it Right?

Abstract

With the increased commonality of online courses in higher education, students are encountering more technology in their programs of studies across all disciplines. In particular, many adult students enter programs without the skills and knowledge of how to be a successful student in the online environment. To help address such challenges, a design-based research study was initiated at a large Canadian university. The main question considered in this research is, what factors impact the design of an online preparation program to support adult student learning in online environments? This study incorporates three iterations over the span of two years. Preliminary data results indicate that st..