Studying the influence of an online student orientation on students' resource awareness and utilization
Date
2016
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
A new student orientation (NSO) helps students become more college ready by informing them of the resources offered. Increased resource awareness should lead to increased usage, which will promote positive student outcomes. Despite an NSO being a significant contributor in introducing students to the college’s resources, NSO attendance is low at all four Delaware Technical Community College campuses. Creating an online new student orientation (ONSO) can allow all students to participate in an orientation, regardless of factors leading them to not attend. ☐ To create an effective ONSO, online orientation best practices were established through a literature review. These practices include a consistent layout, multiple formats, campus resources, website navigation services, inquiry support/contact information, orientation assessments, ease of use and design effectiveness. Five ONSOs from other colleges were also reviewed. Through June 2015 to July 2015, 34 participants were recruited to complete the pilot ONSO. The participants were divided randomly into two groups. Group 1 (5 participants) would complete the pilot ONSO and answer questions to provide feedback on its usability. Group 2 (29 participants) would complete the ONSO independently. Both groups were administered a pre-test and a post-test to assess participants’ knowledge of Delaware Technical Community College resources both before and after viewing the ONSO. ☐ Students significantly increased their knowledge of Delaware Tech resources after completing the ONSO. They also reported that the ONSO’s design was effective in helping them navigate through the ONSO. Recommendations for improvements in the ONSO were made based on their feedback.