Persistence in Distance Education: A Study Case Using Bayesian Network to Understand Retention

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 61-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Kogut Eliasquevici ◽  
Marcos César da Rocha Seruffo ◽  
Sônia Nazaré Fernandes Resque
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
Graphical Model ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Student Attrition ◽  
Composite Model ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Case

This article presents a study on the variables promoting student retention in distance undergraduate courses at Federal University of Pará, aiming to help school managers minimize student attrition and maximize retention until graduation. The theoretical background is based on Rovai's Composite Model and the methodological approach is conditional probability analysis using the Bayesian Networks graphical model. Network modeling has shown that among internal factors after admission to the course (as defined in the Composite Model) face-to-face tutorial sessions need to be better planned and executed, learning materials are still not adequate to online course specificities and the support structure needs to be remodeled.

Designing Online Courses to Promote Student Retention

2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Dietz-Uhler ◽  
Amy Fisher ◽  
Andrea Han
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Quality Matters ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Distance Learning ◽  
Online Distance

Although the issue of student retention is a campus-wide one, it is of special interest in online distance learning courses, where retention rates are reported to be lower than in face-to-face classes. Among the explanations and theories of retention rates in online courses, one that struck us as most useful is a structural one, namely, course design. The question we raise is, can online course designs promote student retention? In this article, we report on how we used Quality Matters to design and revise online courses in psychology and statistics. Quality Matters, a research-based initiative, advocates the use of eight general review standards to review online courses. In our psychology and statistics courses, our retention rate across multiple offerings of both courses is approximately 95%.

scholarly journals Developing institutional strategies to support failing/failed part-time students in higher education

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-46
Author(s):  
Graham Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Retention ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Student Attrition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Field Instructors ◽  
Part Time Students ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Institutional Strategies

This study considers the significance of institutional strategy in supporting failing/failed part-time students in higher education, particularly at a time of such significant changes to funding ideologies in western cultures, and offers recommendations to improve student retention. Building on previous studies by Simpson (2003), Callender et al (2006) the tracking of three cohorts of part-time students on a counselling programme highlights ‘vulnerable’ candidates and explores specific strategies to respond to the failing/failed student. Employing a mixed-methodological approach consisting of an initial online questionnaire, semi-structured interviews for selected participants and the tracking the academic results of failing/failed students, ethical consideration is given to the nature of the programme (counselling), gender-ratios and the timing of the enquiry (post-completion or termination of studies). The enquiry highlights the challenges for practice educators and field instructors in supporting such students. In order to increase the retention of part-time students, the study also examines possible factors likely to minimise part-time student attrition. For the purposes of this study the term ‘vulnerable’ is defined as a student who is likely to leave the course before completion i.e. a failing/failed student.

An Exploration of Differences Among Community of Inquiry Indicators in Low and High Disenrollment Online Courses

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Ice ◽  
Angela M. Gibson ◽  
Wally Boston ◽  
Dave Becher
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Design ◽  
Student Retention ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Community Of Inquiry ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Public University ◽  
Cognitive Presence ◽  
Cognitive Integration ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Rapid Pace

Though online enrollments continue to accelerate at a rapid pace, there is significant concern over student retention. With drop rates significantly higher than in face-to-face classes it is imperative that online providers develop an understanding of factors that lead students to disenroll. This study examines course-level disenrollment through the lens of student satisfaction with the projection of Teaching, Social and Cognitive Presence. In comparing the highest and lowest disenrollment quartiles of all courses at American Public University the value of effective Instructional Design and Organization, and initiation of the Triggering Event phase of Cognitive Presence were found to be significant predictors of student satisfaction in the lowest disenrollment quartile. For the highest disenrollment quartile, the lack of follow-through vis-à-vis Facilitation of Discourse and Cognitive Integration were found to be negative predictors of student satisfaction.

Shhh! No talking about retention in the library!

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Blackburn
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
School Administrators ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Student Attrition ◽  
Retention Rates

Student retention rates have long been a topic among school administrators, but it is an issue barely mentioned in library circles. This article will discuss the role the academic library can play in increasing and maintaining student retention rates on campus. By focusing briefly on four main topics, including reaching out to students early and often, getting them in the library door and getting them to stay, the reader will be able to see the broad picture of how crucial libraries are to fighting student attrition.

scholarly journals Digital Education on Prudent Antibiotic Use—Evaluation of a Massive Open Online Course for General Practitioners in Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s192-s193
Author(s):  
Florian Salm ◽  
Tobias Kramer ◽  
Cornelius Remschmidt ◽  
Petra Gastmeier ◽  
Sandra Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Massive Open Online ◽  
Questionnaire Response ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Massive Open Online Course ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health problem predominantly driven by overuse of antibiotics. In humans, most antibiotics are used outside the hospital. Overprescribing for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is common despite clear guidelines. The need for further training of general practitioners is well known. Objective: To develop and evaluate a massive open online course (MOOC) on antibiotic therapy of common infectious diseases in general practice. Methods: A 4-week MOOC was developed on the basis of previous face-to-face trainings (platform, Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering) and was conducted 3 times between July 10, 2017, and May 31, 2019. The course was promoted through various general practitioner (GP) networks, local multipliers, and conferences and in the local trade press. In addition to epidemiological background information, the focus was on guideline-based diagnostics and treatment of ARI, side effects of antibiotics, correct drug selection, dosage and duration of indicated antibiotic therapy, as well as aspects of doctor–patient communication. Content included videos, self-tests, additional written material, and an optional exam. At the end of the course, participants were asked to complete a voluntary, anonymous online assessment questionnaire (LimeSurveyPro software). Usage data from the MOOC platform and data from the questionnaire were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software. Results: In total, 2,177 registered persons retrieved content (= learners). The proportion of learners dropped from 99.6% in week 1 to 40.7% in week 4. However, among those attending week 4, the average proportion of content used was still high (74.5%). Furthermore, 27.5% of learners completed the course, 23.8% took the exam, and 19.7% passed the exam. Moreover, 284 learners answered the assessment questionnaire (response rate, 13.0%); 62.3% were women, and the mean age was 45.9 years. Also, 225 participants (79.2%) stated that they were physicians; 122 of these worked as general practitioners (54.2% of physicians). Among the other physicians, 23% stated were in specialist training and 15.6% had a different specialist designation. The average overall rating of the course was 1.31 (1 = very good to 6 = not sufficient). General practitioners rated it slightly better than other physicians (1.23 vs 1.41). The clinical relevance was rated at 1.27 (GPs vs other physicians, 1.18 vs 1.35). For all scores, see Table 1. Conclusions: A massive open online course appears to be an appropriate format in which to deliver clinical relevant content concerning prudent antibiotic use in the outpatient setting. It is a good complement to existing face-to-face formats and helps to cover needs related to antibiotic training.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Development, Implementation, and Initial Participant Feedback of an Online Anatomy and Radiology Contouring Bootcamp in Radiation Oncology

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110377
Author(s):  
Paige Eansor ◽  
Madeleine E. Norris ◽  
Leah A. D’Souza ◽  
Glenn S. Bauman ◽  
Zahra Kassam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Medical Physics ◽  
Course Completion ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Subject Knowledge ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Creation

BACKGROUND The Anatomy and Radiology Contouring (ARC) Bootcamp was a face-to-face (F2F) course designed to ensure radiation oncology residents were equipped with the knowledge and skillset to use radiation therapy techniques properly. The ARC Bootcamp was proven to be a useful educational intervention for improving learners’ knowledge of anatomy and radiology and contouring ability. An online version of the course was created to increase accessibility to the ARC Bootcamp and provide a flexible, self-paced learning environment. This study aimed to describe the instructional design model used to create the online offering and report participants’ motivation to enroll in the course and the online ARC Bootcamp's strengths and improvement areas. METHODS The creation of the online course followed the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) framework. The course was structured in a linear progression of locked modules consisting of radiology and contouring lectures, anatomy labs, and integrated evaluations. RESULTS The online course launched on the platform Teachable in November 2019, and by January 2021, 140 participants had enrolled in the course, with 27 participants completing all course components. The course had broad geographic participation with learners from 19 different countries. Of the participants enrolled, 34% were female, and most were radiation oncology residents (56%), followed by other programs (24%), such as medical physics residents or medical students. The primary motivator for participants to enroll was to improve their subject knowledge/skill (44%). The most common strength identified by participants was the course's quality (41%), and the most common improvement area was to incorporate more course content (41%). CONCLUSIONS The creation of the online ARC Bootcamp using the ADDIE framework was feasible. The course is accessible to diverse geographic regions and programs and provides a flexible learning environment; however, the course completion rate was low. Participants’ feedback regarding their experiences will inform future offerings of the online course.

scholarly journals Students as Designers of E-book for Authentic Assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Raja Maznah Raja Hussain ◽  
Khalid Khamis Al Saadi
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Authentic Assessment ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Authentic Assessments ◽  
Peer Reviewers ◽  
Collaborative Learning Environment ◽  
Positive Experiences

Purpose â€“ The purpose of this study is to examine the elements that determine students’ success as designers of an e-book by means of an authentic assessment in a collaborative learning environment. A total of 11 English Language Teaching (ELT) postgraduate students were involved as designers, writers and peer reviewers of the e-book project. Methodology â€“ Data was gathered based on a qualitative methodological approach, via face-to-face discussions, WhatsApp groups, Moodle classes and reflections from students’ e-portfolios. The data was analyzed using content analysis procedures where it was read carefully to understand emerging themes. It was then coded and labeled manually in relation to the aims of the study and its theoretical framework. Findings â€“ The analysis suggested that the students had positive experiences where they became self-publishers while engaged in designing learning experiences via integrating technology. The use of authentic assessments enabled them to develop teamwork, to become motivated and self-directed learners with autonomy. Significance â€“ The outcome of this research will help course designers and program developers to integrate authentic assessments that are relevant to the current needs of students. 

scholarly journals 1081 'Making the Leap’ To ST3 Plastic Surgery: An Interactive Online Course, In Response To COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
S H Teoh ◽  
S Majumder
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Plastic Surgery ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Small Group Tutorial ◽  
Learning Points ◽  
Difficult Transition

Abstract Aim The ‘Making the Leap’ interactive online course (MTL) was specifically designed to be delivered during the COVID-19 restrictions. This course aimed to facilitate the difficult transition from CT to ST3 in Plastic Surgery. Method The courses consisted of interactive small-group tutorials, each conducted over 2 days, via Zoom, covering 12 plastic surgery core topics in 8 tutorials. The course was attended by 43 delegates from across the UK and abroad. The tutorials were delivered by 27 plastic surgery consultants. Anonymous feedback was collected from both delegates and faculty. Results The overall feedback from delegates were unanimously positive; 100% of the delegates stated that ‘they would recommend the course to a colleague’. All faculty and delegates agreed the use of video conferencing and small group tutorial to be either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ suitable for an interactive virtual course like MTL. 98% of delegates thought the course has made them feel more prepared to be a registrar, and 69% of delegates preferred an online interactive course instead of the traditional face-to-face method, for non-practical based courses. Conclusions COVID-19 necessitated delivering ‘Making the Leap” as a Zoom course. However, the feedback clearly demonstrated the need for such a course, and the suitability of the format. We discuss the challenges and learning points from our experience delivering successful interactive courses via Zoom.

scholarly journals Conceptualising a visual representation model for MOOC-based blended learning designs

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laia Albó ◽  
Davinia Hernández-Leo
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Massive Open Online Course ◽  
Design Representation ◽  
Representation Model ◽  
Fostering Reflection

This article reports on a study about how massive open online course (MOOC)-based blended learning designs can be visually represented to facilitate their comprehension and sharing. We carried out an iterative co-creation process with different stakeholders to conceptualise a visual learning design representation model within the context of blending MOOCs with face-to-face courses. The data analysed was derived from questionnaires and the generated representations. Results indicate that the representation enabled educators to easily visualise the overall structure of the learning designs and the relationships between the different design elements, providing a context for fostering reflection and decision-making during the planning of MOOC-based blended learning designs.

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