Creating an effective onboarding experience is essential to student success in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. Davidson Davie Community College (DDCC) has made remarkable strides in this area by developing innovative orientation strategies tailored to various student populations. This blog post explores the key elements of their approach, offering valuable insights and practical tips for higher education faculty and staff.
A Tailored Approach To Orientation
Diverse Student Populations
DDCC's approach is rooted in understanding the diverse needs of its student populations. It caters to traditional on-campus students, high school dual enrollment learners, online students, and those requiring accessibility services. Each group has a tailored orientation module, ensuring relevant information is provided in a manner that resonates with them.
Online & In-Person Integration
The college's transition from in-person to online orientations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the importance of a seamless digital experience. Initially, their online orientation using Moodle was cumbersome, taking up to three and a half hours to complete. Recognizing the need for improvement, DDCC partnered with Innovative Educators to create a more streamlined and engaging platform.
Key Features Of The Enhanced Orientation Platform
Student-Centric Design
The new platform prioritizes student engagement and accessibility. Videos, interactive flip cards, and knowledge checks are strategically placed to break down information into manageable chunks, reducing cognitive load and making learning more interactive. For instance, using flip cards to explain course delivery options adds a visual and interactive element that helps students better understand their choices.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Ensuring accessibility is a cornerstone of DDCC's approach. The platform includes features such as language toggles and visual aids catering to students with different needs. Additionally, instructional videos are paired with transcripts and alternative links, providing multiple ways for students to access information.
Impact On Student Onboarding & Retention
Improved Completion Rates
Since implementing the new platform, DDCC has seen a significant increase in orientation completion rates, averaging between 95% and 99%. This improvement reflects the effectiveness of their streamlined and engaging approach.
Enrollment Growth
The enhanced orientation process has also contributed to a notable increase in enrollment. Comparing fall term data, DDCC experienced a 21% rise in enrollment for Fall 2024. This growth underscores the positive impact of a well-designed onboarding process.
Retention Rates
While the college's retention rates have slightly increased, the stability in retention amidst enrollment growth indicates that the new orientation platform is helping students successfully transition into their academic journey.
Practical Tips For Implementing An Effective Orientation
- Select a Focused Implementation Team: Having the right voices in the room is crucial. Include individuals who can provide actionable insights and ensure progress toward the goal.
- Ensure Accessibility: Work closely with your digital accessibility experts to review platform features, ensuring they meet the needs of all students.
- Set Clear Goals and Timelines: Establish objectives and a timeline for feedback and revisions. This structure helps keep the project on track and ensures timely implementation.
- Leverage Student Feedback: Continually gather and analyze student feedback through surveys and focus groups. Use this data to make informed adjustments to the orientation process.
Looking Ahead
DDCC's ongoing commitment to enhancing its orientation process highlights several opportunities for further improvement. Simplifying the dashboard experience, incorporating more accessible formats, and exploring deeper integration with other systems can further streamline onboarding, paving the way for even better student experiences.
Final Thoughts
The success of DDCC's orientation platform lies in its student-centered design, accessibility, and continuous improvement based on feedback and data. By meeting students where they are and providing a clear, engaging onboarding experience, DDCC has set a high standard for higher education institutions.
DDCC's approach offers valuable lessons for faculty and staff looking to enhance their onboarding processes. By focusing on student needs, leveraging technology, and fostering continuous improvement, institutions can significantly improve their onboarding experiences, ultimately leading to higher student success and retention rates. DDCC's success is a testament to the transformative power of a well-designed orientation process, inspiring others to follow suit.
Like To Learn More? Schedule A Demo
Transform Your Student Orientation Experience
Interested in providing a comprehensive online orientation experience that sets your students up for success? Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Go2Orientation today. For nearly two decades, Innovative Educators has empowered college leaders to enhance student engagement and retention. Through Go2Orientation, OnlineLingo, and StudentLingo, we've helped institutions create vibrant, supportive communities that accompany students throughout their academic journey. Grounded in best practices for online learning, our tools are engaging, interactive, and designed to build community.
Explore the full potential of Go2Orientation through our video demo. See firsthand how our platform can revolutionize your student orientation process, fostering an engaging and inclusive environment from the very start.
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By Meg Foster, Online Learning & Design Specialist - Consultant & Wendy Archer, Web Content Coordinator
July 25, 2024
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