To remove learning barriers and better support online student learning, persistence and success, Wake Tech has launched a QEP based upon best practices in eLearning called EPIC. A collaborative effort by faculty and staff has developed and implemented eLearning Standards, an online student orientation, and an online faculty certification program.
Wake Technical Community College offers the largest number of online courses in North Carolina, filling nearly 45,064 seats for online courses in 2014-15. To help bridge the gap between the success of seated and online courses the college is implementing EPIC (Elearning Preparedness Initiative across the College) to better prepare students and faculty for online learning and teaching. EPIC is designed to help students overcome online learning barriers and gain the skills to be successful learners. All new online students are now required to complete three interactive eLearning student orientation modules, during which they will gain the skills, tools and awareness to be a successful online learner. We are improving faculty preparedness to design and delivery quality online courses through developing and implementing an online faculty certification program and offering a mentorship program for new online faculty members. Our presentation will discuss the implementation of this initiative, along with challenges and successes we have witnessed along the way.