According to statics, students are apprehensive about higher education not knowing what to expect, anxiety ridden and nervous about entering an unknown environment. Lynn University has successfully made this transition smooth for each student both undergraduate and graduate level alike with our first-year seminar and graduate student orientation.
While this is the era of technology, many students may not feel comfortable knowing that our university is extremely tech savvy. Lynn University has attained Apple Distinguished University status which makes us 1 of 400 schools throughout 29 countries that has gained this accomplishment. Deploying all of our course content on the iPad makes us extremely unique. While current and prospective students alike may be excited to know that Lynn University is yet overwhelmed by the thought of not fully understanding the technology behind their courses. To diffuse this situation, Academic Affairs worked with the Instructional Design team to develop 2 classes at variant levels to help students overcome their fear of technology.
The undergraduate level course we call LYNN 101 is a foundational course for all first-year students. The course is designed to guide students through the transition to academic life at Lynn University. Students will be able to learn the academic and administrative competencies vital to success at Lynn during a structured, regular course time frame. Connected to the majors, these courses will allow participants to meet some of the professors in their chosen field, who will give an introduction to the types of courses required and experiences found in the major. In this course, students will also explore the Freshmen Summer Reader. Additionally, students will learn about many helpful programs and skills available, from competent and knowledgeable university staff members, in areas such as: academic support; information literacy; registration and advising; classroom technology; Title IX; study abroad; and even researching future careers.
This course has successfully introduced first year students to our strong learning ecosystem. Not only does the student learn about all of the technology factors we utilize throughout the university, but this is where they get to learn about all of the institution goals, rules and the university history. On completion of this course, all students are required to submit both a critical assignment and survey to measure how well it has help them adapt to their transition.
The Graduate Student Orientation Course is a one credit, pass/fail course, designed to orient students on the various educational technologies used at Lynn University. Topics include access to online instructional materials, iPad Orientation, Canvas and the LU Attendance app.
Our graduate students come from all walks of life, therefore we must tailor our graduate student orientation course to show how to accomplish tasks from the very beginning of turning on their iPad, to more technical operations such as creating an explain everything video.
These classes were both carefully created by listening to our students and compiling a list of their needs and making it into a reality.
The university decided to create this course first and foremost because we were moving to a new LMS and needed to make sure that our entire student body was well aware of how to successfully utilize and navigate their course materials using Canvas. Previously, our students used iTunes U to access all of their course materials on their iPad. Once the decision was made to move forward with Canvas, the university thought it was a good idea for all members of the student body to obtain training to reduce the learning curve and keep students on time and on task without utilizing precious face time with instructors. By doing this, all students are in the know of utilizing the LMS for their success.