Ed Map certainly thinks so!  In a recent webinar series sponsored by Ed Map and Imagine America Foundation the important role of "community" and how it connects to higher education is highlighted.  Session 2, Community as a Retention Tool, spotlights case studies from Community Care College, Oklahoma Technical College, and Clary Sage College, and how they are using community as a strong retention tool.  Using old fashioned hand-written notes, providing online support groups, and taking a genuine human interest in the students, the schools have created a community that improves retention through establishing strong needs-based relationships.  In a busy world where number identifiers are becoming increasingly popular, the human touch proves to be the key. 

To view the webinar Community as a Retention Tool click here.

ED MAP is an educational-content management company whose unique market insights and perspectives separate it from traditional academic bookstores. We leverage extensive relationships with academic publishers and educational institutions to create, acquire, store, deliver and monetize content for educational markets. ED MAP provides guidance and assistance for selection, editorial, production, logistics and customization activities to our clients, including proprietary and career colleges, K-12 online programs and institutions, traditional and multi-campus systems, continuing education and professional associations.

Can Community Help Retention?

Recently at the TxDLA conference, we had the pleasure of presenting with Dr. Jeff Getchell from Del Mar College.  He highlighted how his school has used SmarterMeasure (formerly known as READI) and the results of a case study about their plan.  To watch the presentation click on the link below.

http://salesdemo.mediasite.com/mediasite/SilverlightPlayer/Default.aspx?peid=a287790da9b14a429492f719d1e39cd6

Using Online Learner Readiness to Improve Retention

Some institutions are creating online clubs to foster communication, comradery, and professional growth for online students; perhaps bridging the gap of social interaction and the virtual classroom.  In a recent article, from Inside Higher Ed reports show over 70% of students who join these virtual social clubs do so for professional reasons. 

Partially geared towards the adult student, online education is a convenient way to pursue training, increase skills, or choose a new career path.  Coursework provides part of the puzzle while the networking of career advice, job opportunities and professional organizations could be the missing link.  In this economy where more adults are being forced back to school, learning about new jobs or positions is a strong draw to these virtual organizations.

Online clubs are the springboard that leads to increased communications, feeling of belonging, accountability, and stronger connection to the school.  This kind of social networking produces a community that, most notably, can improve retention at schools which is the key to growing an online program.

Join the Online Club

In 2010, what is your strategy to improve retention, strengthen student engagement, and stay within shrinking budgets? Sounds like it’s time to get creative!  We suggest three pieces of advice. These old adages are holding true in 2010, and could hold the key to your school’s success!

1.       A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

2.       Put your limited money where your mouth is.

3.       Remember there is strength in numbers.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush should remind us how much easier it is to keep a registered student than to find a new one.  Students who are already enrolled in classes, have made a decision to get an education on some level.  Whether it is to increase their job skills, earn a promotion, or just explore what they want to do with the rest of their life, some driving factor brought them to your door.  These students should be treated as priority customers, given attention and support.

Put your money where your mouth is.  If you do believe that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, it’s time to use the funds you have to back up your claims.  Investing in resources to help our current students be successful is crucial in keeping them.  Keeping them enrolled, engaged, and encouraged. All students have different levels of readiness, ideas of necessary skills, and life situations.  These components should be considered when delegating funds to pay for student services.  Decide what the major players are and make sure your budget dollars back-up each initiative.  If necessary spend time putting together a ROI plan to help sell your plan to school officials who sign the checks.

Lastly remember, there is strength in numbers.  With increasing budget constraints, pooling resources is becoming more important now than ever.  Communities, Networks, and Support systems are growing in response to the open technology and accessibility.  Schools are stepping up their “human resources” and inviting talented folks to get in on redesigning the way students learn and are taught.  Buying power is something that many states and organizations are using in their favor.  School officials see a window of hope in consortiums.  Consortiums have been around for a long time and seem to be increasingly popular.  It only makes sense.  When everyone chips in knowledge, resources, and money great things can happen.

As companies provide deep discounts for consortiums or group purchasing, it becomes a win-win-win situation.  Schools find their students having access to a multitude of necessary resources, while paying much less than if they purchased it on their own.  Companies benefit from having many schools to add to their client list, along with exposing a larger audience to the product or service.

eLearningToolBox has recently noticed an influx of interest from consortiums about our distance learning solutions.  Currently we are working with VCT, University System of Georgia Board of Regents, MCCVLC, ETOM, WTCS, NILRC, GVTC, MOL, Texas NetNet, MSVCC, and TXVSN.  Other organizations that represent multiple schools or school districts have also recently voiced an interest in using READI including k12, Insight Schools, and TRECA.

Not only are schools recognizing the need to retain students and help them succeed, but they are playing it smart financially and getting on board with the masses to make the most of their limited budgets. In 2010, make a commitment to evaluate your priorities and make things happen that will take your distance learning program into the new decade!

Reaching New Heights Using Old School Ideas?

In February 2009, President Obama stated in his speech to Congress, one of his goals was to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.  Since then monies have been moved into grant programs to increase technology in the classrooms and promote alternative learning that includes distance learning.  However, what has been done to increase enrollments of adult students? 

Some would argue it has already happened as a by-product of the poor economy and loss of jobs.  Layoffs have forced much of the workforce back to school to improve their skills, get new skills, or rethink their futures with a new career path.  Community Colleges have seen record enrollments and report that their non-traditional student population is growing. 

Now what?  So yes, schools do show increasing enrollments of adult students that will ultimately help reach the President's goal for 2020.  But what is being done to retain these students?  What is the plan to provide student services that are meaningful and helpful to this population?  Schools that weather this influx of new enrollees will pay attention to the demographic of their audience.  They will get a strategic planning team together and create systems to support the adult learner. 

A recent discussion on Capitol Hill, highlighted the need for such services.  Plans will include looking at the current job market and futuristic trends (example: green initiatives).  Getting to know the students and their needs.  Providing flexible schedules to accomodate families, illnesses, and work schedules (example: distance learning).  Also, paying attention to the common challenges associated with an older student (example: perhaps low technical competency, stronger level of commitment, more needy or less needy of personal help from instructor, etc). 

Once a plan is put in place it will be crucial for schools to implement services that make sense.  Doing so will create a supportive environment that promotes successful students with completed degrees. In particular a school may consider having an online counselor available to help adult students juggle all the demands of work, school, and family.  While a traditional student may need an individual on-campus to provide counseling on how to handle being away from home, managing money, and help with prioritizing.

With a calculated effort, not only will enrollments continue to rise, but more non-traditional students will re-enter the workforce with new skills, confidence, and that much closer to a nationwide goal!

Reaching Obama's 2020 Goal