Despite unprecedented growth, success rates for online learners continues to lag behind traditional classes, and most readiness tools have little impact. In an effort to improve student success rates and introduce new learners to online instruction, CLC developed a realistic, hands on module that equips students with the tools and skills necessary to succeed.
This session will introduce the new introductory module that the College of Lake County developed for their online Criminal Justice students. As is well known, online courses continue to experience a higher level of attrition and poorer grades and completion rates as compared to the face to face sections of the same course. Often this is a result of the lack of preparation for online learning on the part of the learners. This module was designed as a hands-on tool using actual content to help learners develop a realistic expectation of the time, energy, and rigors associated with an online course. In addition to the module, participants in this section will explore the tools, exercises, and technologies introduced to students, along with the strategies for time management, organization, and academic integrity. Although the module was first introduced to the CRJ students, the content was designed to be flexible enough to swap the subject specific activities with anything appropriate for a different course.
Participants will leave the session armed with tools and skills both created and curated during the deployment of this module, and benefit from the lessons learned and best practices we established. Participants will be encouraged to share ideas and feedback for continuous process improvement to ensure future participants will benefit from the changes to the content.