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Friday 5: Things To Ponder This Week In Higher Ed 11/6/20

We hope you were able to join us for our Friday 5 Live when Dr. Tom Tobin shared thoughts and insights about the future of online learning as we kick off National Distance Learning Week.  We are now podcasting Friday 5 Lives so you can more easily share this resource with colleagues! 

  

In celebration of National Distance Learning Week (November 9-13), please check out our free workshop on How to Prepare & Support Students for Online Learning.

 

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National Distance Learning Week (November 9-13)
Supporting student success is at the heart of higher education, but never has it been more of a focus than during this time of pandemic.  As we celebrate National Distance Learning week, it’s important to reflect on the number of students who have become online learners this year: whether it’s their preferred way of learning or not.  From expanded online office hours, to sharing tips for success, to creative virtual student programming, institutions have responded in inventive and astounding ways to support their students.  As we anticipate the end of the fall semester, please know the team at Innovative Educators is cheering on our colleagues in universities and colleges across the nation.

 

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Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research published about student learning this spring semester demonstrates the power of active learning in online classes.  Researchers examined the use of polling software and explicit peer or group interaction including think-pair-share exercises and small group activities.  Online learning experts conclude that the strategies faculty have learned in shifting rapidly online will continue to shape class experiences, online and in person, in the future.

 

Among those community college students who work for pay, 85% have one job and 15% hold at least two jobs. - The Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)

  

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The Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) published research this week documenting that the “majority of students who attend community college also work simultaneously.”  Important research outcomes: part-time students are more likely to work more than 40 hours per week and 20% of working students are employed in their field of study. 62% of students indicated that work dictated their class schedule.  Administrators can collaborate with students to find ideal times to offer classes to maximize student participation.

 

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Inside Higher Ed reports this week on students’ mental health during the pandemic.  While nearly 60% of students indicated in a recent poll that they are anxious about COVID, the majority of those students have not used campus mental health support services. Only half of students surveyed felt their institution cared about them. Students are concerned about remaining engaged during online learning and maintaining friendships.

 

Follow our Friday 5 Live podcast available now on your favorite podcasting app!


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Small colleges are finding that they’re able to respond more rapidly to COVID, reports NPR this week.  The shared sense of purpose found in smaller institutions, often founded on a set of moral principles, may make it easier to get students to comply with policies like mask usage and social distancing. Small colleges may also be more flexible in their ability to create safer and more controlled spaces for social distanced gatherings in classrooms and public areas.
 
 
Author: Meg Foster
November 6, 2020
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