Supporting online students

The week two assigned readings left me some vital points which I want to share with you.Iit is obvious that technology has woven into the fabrics of higher education. However, little has been discussed about specific roles that student affairs professionals should play to support online students. To my understanding, student services cut accross-from admission office, financial services, library through academic support personnel- all have crucial roles to play in assisting both online and campus students. From what I've observed, in Andrews University and other institutions that I attended, there is no proper coordination among these offices. In executing thier duties, they tend to support students in areas they may not even be skillful.

I think there should be a well coordinated efforts to support online students and these officials should also be trained in specific areas to acquire the requisit skills. For example, if Natasha is not tech-saavy, how could she support students online to perform creditably. Is there any concrete measures put in place to train her or give her the needed support? You cannot give what you do not have! therefore, support of staff and faculty in technology is crucial.

I therefore agree with the recommendations made by Dare and other writers that student affairs professionals should establish positions with duties focused entirely on the needs of online students. I also subscribe to the fact that with lack of resources, the university should participate in a consortium to deliver online students services. If these admonitions are adhered to, there is no doubt that technology can be used to improve online delevery systems in higher educational institutions and competetions will be vibrant.