Comments after Session 3 Online Orientations

It was confusing that orientation to college with orientation to online learning was mingled throughout the presentation.  Sometimes the populations are the same, but more often they are not.  The needs of one group may not be the same as the needs of the other.

Here is a report I did for WCET in 2004 with examples of both types of Orientation websites.

An idea for building community among students new to college might be to provide a WebCT course site where ongoing communication would be facilitated and information provided.  This type of site already exists for all online students - the Online Companion.  A means of identifying new students might be those who register for DS 107 & DS 104....or perhaps students who sign up for any DS course.

A previous MC student who is currently attending UMD viewed the broadcast with us.  He was barraged with a series of questions about what would motivate him sign onto MyMC for information.  The theme of his answers were.......he would go to the site on an "as needed" basis.  He is too busy to sign in or pay attention to any other forms of communication until he needs the information.  He also mentioned that a paper reminder might help.