Oct 15
Recently we held our first READI Best Practices Webinar and it was by all accounts a success! With over 70 participants there was a great showing from our current users. The READI Best Practices Presentation was designed to give clients new ideas of how to implement READI, how to monitor data, and what to do with the READI student data. The case studies were by far the most popular element of the presentation. Christine Lustik, long time client Western Wyoming Community College, demonstrated how READI is used in their orientation process and gave specific examples of how they get remedial helps to their students. Ray Mercer from Columbus Technical College, showed how his students use READI integrated in their OLE orienation system (Online Learning for Everyone).
The majority of participants agreed that they came away with new insight and ideas of how to better utilize READI. One client said "READI is going to the top of their to-do list!". When asked if clients would like to participate in this kind of webinar on an annual basis most everyone said YES! One client offered a great suggestion to schedule the webinars two times a year corresponding with beginning of terms.
During the presentation we briefly discussed a list serv or discussion loop. Based on the positive feedback received we've decided to create a new product related forum. It will debut in our next newsletter due out next month. Watch for details coming soon about how you can register and subscribe!
Thanks to all those who participated! We have the best clients and appreciate your time and feedback.
Sep 16
eLearningToolBox is proud to announce, this month READI usage has reached an all time high. Almost a half million students have taken READI to find out if they are good fit for distance learning! These numbers reflect our continually growing client base. Schools are continuing to place priority in helping students succeed online and offering READI is the first step. Understanding the education climate and the increasing popularity of alternative learning environments signals READI usage will reach the 1 million mark in record time!
Sep 10
One of our newest READI clients, American Sentinel University, has just launched a press release announcing their implementation of READI. ASU recognized the need to implement a tool that would help students gauge their skills, measure technical proficiencies, and provide resources for support. Dr. Richard Oliver, CEO of American Sentinel University said, "succeeding in an online university environment requires a different set of skills than in a traditional campus-based setting". To read the complete article click here.
Aug 19
It is no secret that in order to be successful, companies must watch for market trends, legislation, and world events to guide their product and service development. eLearningToolBox is no different. From the beginning we have researched trends in distance learning and technology initiatives. Paying close attention to mandates from accrediting bodies and new legislation that governs what schools have to incorporate in their curricula and processes.
ACCSCT Standards of Accreditation Substantive Standards states that, “The institution must have clear, consistent policies, measures, and procedures to evaluate the performance and needs of faculty members, and to assess faculty effectiveness in distance education programs or courses of study.” Recently we have launched PostCourse 2.0 which is a tool for efficiently designing, deploying and disseminating the results of faculty and course evaluations. Through a tiered, role-based process faculty and administrators can immediately see the input from their students.
In addition to accrediting bodies, many states pass legislation that dictates what direction a school must go in planning their future course offerings, technologies, and practices. Recently in Texas, a new law has been passed that expands on the requirement from ACCSCT in regards to having a documented process of how to collect and evaluate data in regards to elearning. The law states "Relating to requiring a public institution of higher education to establish uniform standards for publishing cost of attendance information, to conduct student course evaluations of faculty, and to make certain information available on the Internet". The last part "make certain information is available on the Internet" adds a new layer to the process for Texans.
As PostCourse continues to evolve to meet our clients' needs, we will be considering how we can assist Texans with meeting the demands of the recently passed law that will be effective next Fall. In the meantime, be aware of your local law makers as they make decisions that will affect the way your school does distance education.
Jul 29
College classes offered until 2:30 am? What? Who ever heard of such a thing? According to officials at some community colleges across the country, it is necessary to meet the demand of the new college student. With enrollments up this fall of over 30%, they say getting creative with scheduling is one way to meet the challenge.
A recent article published by Newsday.com highlights several reasons why enrollments are jumping in record numbers. Driven by a poor economy, traditional students are staying closer to home and opting for the more affordable community college tuition versus state and private universities, which in some cases can cost 5-6 times more. Single income families are looking for ways to increase earning power by completing degrees or learning new skills. Some individuals simply have more time on their hands from a recent layoff and are looking for ways to actively affect their future in a positive way.
Larger enrollments generally mean higher revenue but in this case it is causing a strain on many schools. Coordinating course offerings, hiring teachers, and advising students is a process that requires careful planning and human capital. It is difficult to pull this process off on the fly with little preparation. Estimating number of enrollments with this unprecedented growth is difficult to do. To make matters worse, traditionally some students at community colleges tend to wait until the last minute to register causing even more unpredictability about handling the load.
The fact that some schools may have to turn students away for the first time ever is a sobering thought. One that is creating a controlled chaos to try and rise to the occasion. As schools begin to expand their online offerings out of shear necessity businesses like eLearningToolBox who specialize in providing tools that make elearning better will be waiting in the wings to assist these schools in proper planning. Now is the time for schools to embrace non traditional learning environments and aide students to personal path learning. A path that includes access to education to all regardless of age, demographic, or financial status.
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