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4/1/2007
Ohio Learning Network, a statewide consortium of 76 colleges and universities, offers a free non-credit month-long experience in online study that learners can complete at their own pace. Called “E 4 ME: Online Orientation Course for Exploring Learners,” the program was recognized in 2005 as an Advising Technology Innovation Winner by the National Academic Advising Association.Virtual advising. Many institutions also provide “virtual advising,” using FAQs and other detailed program and admission-process descriptions. One good example is North Carolina State University’s virtual advising center, now part of a central university advising and support unit that connects existing advising services with new advising initiatives such as university-wide professional development workshops for advisers, and an eight-week online transfer workshop. The goal is a higher quality of advising before and during a student’s time at NC State.
Interactive services. Another good example of virtual and interactive advising for the online learner is the center at Rio Salado College (Rio Salado, an online institution, is part of the Maricopa Community College District, AZ). This site does not rely solely on static packaged materials, but also provides personal advising support for students, six days a week. For more information, check out CT’s interview with Rio Salado President Linda Thor, about her institution’s approach to supporting distance learners: “Know Your Student,” November 2006.
Live support. Many advising sites complement their prepackaged services and asynchronous support services (such as e-mail) with synchronous services such as phone and live videoconferencing. NC State is launching a pilot program with nearby Wake Technical Community College (NC), to provide program/degree advising and consulting for transitioning students, via webcam. NC State is equipping its advisers and a lab at Wake Tech with systems that provide interactive, real-time audio and video, so that potential transfer students and their advisers can see each other, discuss transcript questions, and review program and degree information.