I have a deep seated interest in learning why prospective students select particular online institutions? Why would someone choose Chancellor University over the University of Phoenix, or AIU over DeVry? Although reasons certainly vary by consumer, in my research I have found three reasons that have been prevalent over the past several years. What are they? Read the rest of this entry »
I have commented over the last year that the original benefits to online learning — cost, convenience, flexibility, will take a second seat to student support and student experience. I am more convinced today that this transition has occured.
According to Educause Quarterly, 67% of students that dropped an online course cited insufficient support as the primary reason. In my mind, insufficient support transcends technical and student services including financial aid, student accounts, tech support, and student self service.
Prospective online students must include student services in their evaluation of online schools. Too many schools, although professing an enhanced student experience, actually pay just lip service to the concept. Choose an online school that makes student service one of its key differentiators.