Top+10+Suggestions+for+Increasing+Retention+in+Online+Classes

====Below is a list of my top 10 suggestions for improving retention in online classes. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather the start of a longer-term, fascinating project which was begun during an accelerated online course in technology and learning.====

====The suggestions are divided into the 5 main categories which seem to most effect student retention in online classes, based on current research. This is an area which is still developing, and investigators are just now beginning to perform the in-depth scholarly studies which will help answer the question: "How can we best increase student retention in online classes?" ====

====3. Provide contact details, including available times and turn-around times, and respond promptly to all forms of student communication. Clarify preferred communication forms and styles (such as email subject headers) at the start of the course.====

====4. Participate in a SIG or other professional group to ensure training in online teaching is as up-to-date as possible. Take advantage of any institutional or online training available to be best prepared as an online instructor.====


 * Articles:**

Brown, A, Brown, C, Fine, B, Luterbach, K, Sugar, W, Viniciguerra, D C. (2009). Instructional uses of podcasting in online learning environments: a cooperative inquiry study. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems.// 37(4) 351-371.

Chatham-carpenter, A, Seawel, L, Raschig, J. (2010). Avoiding the pitfalls: current practices and recommendations for ePortfolios in higher education. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems.// 38(4) 437-456.

Frey, B A, Alman, S W, Barron, D, Steffens, A. (2004). Student satisfaction with the Online MLIS Program at the University of Pittsburgh. //Journal of Education for Library and Information Science//. 45(2) 82-97.

Gaide, S. (2005). Increase retention by establishing institutional and faculty benchmarks. //Distance Education Report//. 9(18) 4,7. Herbert, M. (2006). Staying the course: a study in online student satisfaction and retention. //Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration.// 9(4).

Jorgensen, H. (2002). Wisconsin technical college gets dramatic enrollment, retention results with “overnight” online program. //Distance Education Report.// 6(5):5.

Miller, M D, Rainer, R K, Corley, J K. (2002). Predictors of engagement and participation in an online course. //The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration.// 6(1).

Nash, R. D. (2005) Course completion rates among distance learners: identifying possible methods to improve retention. //Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration.// 8(4):1.

O’Connor, E A. (2009). Instructional and design elements that support effective use of virtual worlds: what graduate student work reveals about second life. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems.// 38(2) 213-234.

Rizopoulos, L A, McCarthy, P. (2009). Using online threaded discussions: best practices for the digital learning. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems.// 37(4): 373-383.

Santovec, M L. (2004). Virtual learning communities lead to 80 percent retention at WGU. //Distance Education Report//. 8(8): 4.

Spiegelman, M, Glass, R. (2009). Games and Web 2.0: a winning combination for millennials. //Journal of Educational Technology Systems.// 37(3) 273-289.

Tallent-Runnels, M K, Thomas, J A, Lan, W L, Cooper, S, Ahern, T C, Shaw, S M, Liu, X. (2006). Teaching courses online: a review of the research. //Review of Educational Research.// 76(1) 93-135.


 * Websites:**

AHEAD  []

The American Distance Education Consortium []

APLU Sloan National Commission on Online Learning  []

Canadian 2009 “State of the Nation in K-12 Learning”  []

Center for Online Learning  []

Center for Research on Learning and Teaching  []

INACOL - International Association for k-12 Online Learning  [][|_]

The International Center for Distance Learning Research and Praxis [|_]  [][|_]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Michigan Community College Association <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Michigan Virtual University <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> [] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> [][|_]

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">North American Council for Online Learning <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Principles of Online Design <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Quality Matters Program <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Research on K-12 Learning – a Synthesis (from 2005) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Virtual School Research Blog by Michael Barbour <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> []