Abstract

Learning centers, and other support services, across the country are currently undergoing transitions to expand their support to the digital realm without being able to expand their budgets. There are numerous options available to increase online presence; however, the price varies as much as the product specifications. Collaborating with campus partners such as the Enhanced Teaching and Learning Center and Office of Information and Technology is necessary to navigate the options and determine the best fit for your institution.

Maintaining best practices and quality service are key elements for many learning centers when considering adding new resources. Another crucial consideration is convenience for students and whether or not the majority will have equitable access to the service. Marketing the new online service to students and determining if they will actually use it is another concern altogether.

Personnel, physical space, software, and hardware are just a few of the aspects that are factored into decision making for expanding existing in-person services online, both real-time and 24/7 access. Learning centers must report on their usage to demonstrate their impact and effectiveness. This includes the added online touch points using the existing tracking system. Additionally, student worker training is core to learning centers; therefore, it is imperative that new training for online services is integrated into established training sessions. The biggest challenge is determining how to accomplish this transition within existing budgets and infrastructures.

This session will take a detailed look into the research, collaboration, and implementation of choosing an online platform to expand student support services. An overview of the process that best suited the needs of a growing, peer-based learning center will also be provided along with the future plans for continued expansion into online support through the campus Learning Management System. 

Objectives

• Using technology to expand your reach
• Offering existing in-person support services online
• Working with campus partners to integrate new technology

Presenter

Valerie Johnson, UAH Student Success Center
Valerie Johnson received her BA in Secondary Education from the University of North Alabama and her MA in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama. She began working as the Tutor Coordinator for The University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2011. She is responsible for the oversight of the Tutoring Programs which consist of Academic Coaching, Content Tutoring, Online Tutoring, and Writing. Valerie is dedicated to researching best practices and implementing new ideas to encourage the continued growth of the Tutoring Programs at UAH.