Does anything work to improve retention rates among distance learners?  In a recent article from The Chronicle of Higher Education by Marc Parry, citing a study done by Kennesaw State University, the answer is no.  However, Stacey M. Campbell, assistant professor of management at Kennesaw State and co-author of the retention study, does suggests the problem may not be with the structure of the class but the students themselves.  Fellow co-author, Elke Leeds, believes identifying which students have traits such as time-management and motivation could be the key.

We couldn't agree more.  After reading the article I wanted to email everyone it mentioned and educate them about SmarterMeasure learning readiness indicator.  Research does indicate that poor student readiness contributes to attrition rates in online classes.  SmarterMeasure measures student readiness for online learning or technology rich classes in 6 areas.

1. Individual Attributes (time management, procrastination, etc)
2. Life Factors
3. Learning Styles
4. Technical Competency
5. On-Screen Reading Rate & Recal
6. Typing Speed and Accuracy

Based on extensive research and taken by over 600,000 students from 300+ schools all over the country, SmarterMeasure is a strong piece of the retention puzzle.

Online Retention - Does Anything Work?

Facebook is all the rage. Everyone I know has a Facebook account.  It's no wonder everyone under the sun seems to be doing studies about Facebook and how it is impacting our culture, education, social habits, and consumer spending. In relation to education, The Chronicle of Higher Education references multiple reports in this article including a recently published study in The Journal of College Student Retention that found a connection between the likelihood of Facebookers returning to their initial college after their freshman year. 

While little if any academic impact is noted, it turns out that using social media like Facebook helps students connect, meet friends, and find a place to fit.  This phenom translates into a stronger support system resulting in students staying in school longer.  While all don't admit to being social creatures and may have a "solitary" learning style, the latest findings echo everyone's need to "belong".  Connection gives us identity and draws us to finish what we started when we have others cheering us on.

Facebook: The New Retention Tool?

In a recent article published in The Arizona Republic, University of Phoenix appears to be taking a short-term hit to sacrifice for the greater good.  The greater good being the preparedness of their students.  UofP is driving a strong effort to help their students be successful and increase retention in the non-traditional learning environment.  Including a new required orientation course and individualized learning paths, Greg Cappelli, the company's co-chief executive officer says, "We believe this is the right thing to do for the students".

Although risking short term losses, if University of Phoenix's gamble pays off and they improve retention, long term they will once again be leading the online learning global pack.

University of Phoenix Looking at Long Term Gains

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