Why?
- Why is student success and retention low?
- Mostly Program and/or Course Issues
- Why are student enrollments down?
- Online Reviews and Word-of-Mouth Publicity
The Problem
We researched and polled students that have struggled, had problems in their courses, or have dropped out of programs and courses. We found that many students were very dissatisfied with the programs and courses for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it is directly related to the programs and courses themselves.
- Students were disappointed with the quality of the courses
- Students were confused about the course expectations
- Courses were unorganized and lacked standardization
- Courses did not provide good instructions
- Courses contained numerous grammar and spelling errors
- Courses did not provide grading rubrics, or grading rubrics did not provide clear grading expectations
- Instructors were not involved and provided very little feedback
- Courses had little to no hands-on project work
- Courses only consisted of reading assignments and exams or papers
- Grades were mostly dependent on exams and or writing assignments
- Programs and courses:
- Did not meet their career objectives
- Did not cover "real-world" skills and topics
- Courses were not delivered or taught by the college or university
- They were taken through Online Program Management (OPM) providers/publishers, but contained the school's 'brand'
- Students did not like this outsourcing
- Students were confused as to why certain courses were required in a degree program because the courses didn't seem to fit in
- Textbooks were:
- Required but hardly used
- Expensive, not current, and of poor quality
- Online open resources (when used):
- Were of poor quality
- Did not quite fit into the course
- Disappeared (dead links)
Our Solution
We design and develop programs and courses that:
- Are designed to focus on student success
- Are organized and designed to engage and pique student interest
- Are deliverable and task-oriented (Competency-Based)
- Involve students in research, creativity, and reflection (Experiential Learning)
- Are "real-world" - meaning tasks are realistic, such as something that the learner may encounter in their professional career
- Clearly lets students know:
- Expectations
- What they need to study and practice
- What they will be able to do after they complete the program, course, module, or learning activity
- Will help students understand how their studies fit into their career and educational goals
- Will foster instructor involvement in the course
- Will provide a standard that can be used to measure the success of a program, course, module, or learning activity
- You are in control!
- Courses are hosted on "your" LMS
- Courses are taught by "your" instructors
- Are designed and developed by professionals with strong academic credentials and "real-world" experience
- Meet accreditation standards
- Are very cost effective
