Tag: Online

  • Online Teaching Challenges Using Virtual Classroom Software

    Online Teaching Challenges Using Virtual Classroom Software

    What is a virtual classroom software?

    A virtual classroom is a digital replica of a traditional classroom, the only difference is that it uses technical tools to interact with students in real-time. The virtual classroom software for teachers helps higher education institutions to manage classes remotely using interactive tools for collaboration, brainstorming, ideation, and discussion. All this is followed by instant assessments and result publications to measure the learning that happened in the session.

     

    The sudden school closures and the need of Virtual classroom software for teachers

    There can never be a PAUSE mode for Education nor Learning. But what if a situation demands it? Let’s take the example of our current COVID-19 scenario.

    The UNESCO states that globally, over 1.3 billion children are out of the classroom, across 186 countries, as on March 2020.

     

     

    There are schools and universities closures everywhere, forcing educational institutions to look for an option to deal with the crisis.

    Thanks to the distinctive rise in the online teaching environment and virtual classroom software, what we could now call the only future of higher education and universities.

    Even the traditional universities and higher eds that were once tabooed to using online teaching are now racing to adapt their programmes and classes to online alternatives. The situation may be pressing, but retorting to any technology wouldn’t help.

    An intuitive, high-end, modern, virtual classroom software for teachers would serve the purpose—a tool that acts as a bridge to offering uninterrupted teaching/learning even during the difficult times.

    Creatrix Campus is end-to-end higher education software that brings campus online on-the-go. You could plan online exams, assignments, execute tasks, conduct online quizzes, group discussions, polling, all virtually.

    Creatrix Campus virtual campus management system has always helped faculty indulge in successful ways of teaching, revolutionizing digital education.

    There’s data analysis, visualization, forecast of assessments that predict learning outcomes, personalized learning pathways for students, and much more. We have figured out 12 successful ways by which Creatrix facilitates successful online teaching and learning, virtually. Here are they;

     

    How to Create an Engaging Virtual Classroom Environment with Virtual classroom software for teachers

     

    top-ways-to-teach-online-with-virtual-classroom-software

     

    1. Get scheduled first

    Now, this is a great feature to start an online classroom—setting up schedules and a set of predefined rules.

    Faculty are allowed to create schedules that most suits their online sessions. Creatrix Scheduling allows schedule creation based on faculty and student preferences.

    Multiple class schedules could be created for different time periods with options to add, edit or cancel schedules, and assign student groups, all this without conflicts.

    There’s enough flexibility here. While any new and complicated topic can be scheduled up in the forenoon, the rest can make up for the afternoon session. Achieving a balanced timetable schedule is also possible with faculty management software that will accommodate all changes instantly and meet your criteria.

     

    2. Build a course and student community

    The next crucial step in virtual teaching lies in the creation of a course and student community. The faculty is the moderator and the courses she creates are the community. On logging in, the faculty would see the list of batches he handles on her personal dashboard.

    The act of the faculty clicking on a particular batch is alike to the real-life scenario of getting into a classroom, with the bunch of students waiting to be marked attendance, hear their performance reports, and submission of assignments, etc. Before the class commences, the faculty marks attendance of the day.

    Nothing goes lacking in this sort of online teaching. Faculty plans well ahead of the classes with a solid curriculum management system from Creatrix.

    The faculty strategically adapt to the industry trends as well as the unique needs of the students. There’s enough option to track the daily progress of the students in line with the curriculum.

     

    3. Digitize the course contents

    At Creatrix we know the real purpose of a virtual LMS; we make learning enjoyable, accessible, and meaningful to students, improving their learning outcomes.

    The faculty takes control of the class, adding course materials to suit her course’s plan. Creatrix virtual Learning Management System (LMS) is brings in a lot of tools for applying various learning models in a wide range of digital formats.

    Instructors are allowed to create, upload, the course’s content, back it up with videos and files, deliver them to students, assign tasks and assessments, administer and track their progress, followed by record-keeping. There’s complete transparency on all these processes.

    The topic planned and covered are kept track of and those that need attention are extended for longer hours. The simplified workflows in Creatrix helps to focus students by giving constructive feedback and personalized recommendations.

     

    4. Adopt collaborative tools to maximize participation

    Virtual teaching is successful only when there’s maximum student participation. Creatrix has many collaborative and communication tools to keep the students glued to the actual teaching process.

    Creatrix virtual LMS allows students to team up on live sessions and video conferencing through external integrated tool.

    Faculty can put forward techniques including quizzes, debates, interactive discussions, etc. There are options to share additional resources for any topic by uploading videos, share relevant PDFs, PPTs, website links, etc. The sessions could be made more fun by bringing in polling, surveys, and map each topic with learning outcomes.

     

    benefits-of-digitizing-course-contents-using-virtual-LMS

     

    Creatrix Campus’s Virtual LMS comes with adaptive teaching models like blended learning, self-paced learning, collaborative learning, and flipped learning to arouse student participation. The lesson planner option in Creatrix helps users to plan and execute both physical and virtual classes for the same course.

     

    5. Focus on keeping the students engaged

    Online remote classes at any cost should be made interesting, mainly because the faculty-student is not in direct interaction. Classes hence have to be delivered in such a way that it builds engagement for learning.

    Creatrix has the Digital Whiteboard tools which come with a virtual pointer to facilitate brainstorming activities. In addition, there are discussion forums and messaging, which is another way of keeping students engaged. 

    Just like how Quora, Yahoo Answers, and Reddit act as amazing discussion forums, Creatrix LMS does the same. 

    The activity wall acts as a message board for further collaboration; students get to post doubtful questions, create polls, and share documents with faculty and his peers.

    There are enough ways a faculty could add advantage to online teaching by sharing learning videos, texts, podcasts to students.

     

    6. Introduce self-learning techniques

    Not all courses in the syllabus would call for a synchronous way of teaching. Some subject’s objectives maybe just research and self-learning. Creatrix virtual LMS creates a self-learning environment that gives enough room for real-time student engagement and self-reflection.

    On completion of topics, student take up auto-assigned, online assessments and quizzes that are used to track their understanding level on the current topic. Uploading videos related to the topic expands the learners to self-learn.

    The progress the student makes can be seen in their personalized dashboards on their real-time status bar reports displaying current, past, and future course progresses, along with the tasks due.

    The faculty’s journey is similar to a facilitator who provides relevant resources and course materials, create tutorials, short lessons, all made possible through online course repositories.

    Students could take part in live streaming and self-paced learning (video upload), conveniently accessible from a single point.

     

    7. Centralize the communication efforts

    There should be an organized way of communication keeping both the students and their parents/guardians informed about the teaching happening.

    This allows the stakeholders to stay informed with auto-notified alerts and reminders about deadlines on assignment submission, feedback, as well as missed topics. They get real-time status via email, SMS, and push notifications.

     

    8. Customize the testing and assessments for personalized learning outcome

    This is an unmissable feature in any online teaching. Assessments help to gauge the learner’s proficiency. Customizing them is incidentally what most software systems lack.

    With customized assessments, faculty have the option to personalize tests for students with different attainment levels. This gives the option to focus on weaker students in a much better way.

    Creatrix has options to conduct both online and offline Assessments/assignments in the form of quizzes, MCQs, long papers, articles, followed by instant onscreen evaluation. Based on the learning outcomes mapping, the system would then intimate the students attainment levels, individually.

      

    9. Get gamified

    A good online teaching platform should work on making things simple for the learners. They won’t really enjoy teaching that’s monotonous, after all, their eyes are starring the digital devices all day long.

    Pick out elements of game playing to add spice to your teaching. Students look for such a twist in their learning experience.

    Assign tasks and projects online, track the submission rates, and provide them badges or scores.

    Integrate with the course schedule and bring forth activity-based learning in line with the Curriculum. This will help instructors and students track topics better. Students, on the other hand, will have access to course information times during absenteeism. Wouldn’t that be great?

     

    10. Link to Incidents Tracking

    There are also options to deal with tardy behavior. Online teaching doesn’t mean you have to compromise on bad behavior incidents, students cheating during online exams by conducting online proctoring etc. A university management software with conduct management system make sense here.

     

    link-to-incidents-tracking

     

    Instantly parents get notified in real-time via email, SMS alerts, and push notifications.
    Besides capturing incidents, rules could be configured, discipline letters created, referrals initiated, analyze trends, and generate reports for faster decision-making to resolve behavior problems.

     

    11. Reporting

    With real-time reporting, instructors should be able to generate real-time reports, right in their hand. They get to know the stand of their students and work on their continuous improvement gradually.

    The instructor could track those students who are accessing the course content and who isn’t.

    Creatrix classroom management software is capable of generating real-time reports including students’ demographics, assignments, attendance, assignments, fee payments, grades, discipline incidents, coursework, assignments, etc.

    All these reports from the virtual classroom software help at deriving insights into learning for a bigger picture of the institutional reporting.

    The best thing about using Creatrix Online LMS is student’s progress data is right in their hands. They have the ability to track their own progress, their dips and ups with the progress status bar on their personal dashboard.

    They get to view the current, past, and future course progresses, along with the tasks due.

     

    12. Mobile support, 24*7

    Wrap up all the above-mentioned features into an all-time accessible mobile app!  A mobile tool is a necessity to support students with uninterrupted learning these days.

    Creatrix Online Learning Management System (OLMS) gives any time, anywhere access to learning where students team up for live sessions via mobile devices and tablets.

    They get the feel of in-the-classroom training with options to view the session’s content visually and communicate via text chat and audio; they can submit assignments, view grades & course materials, and interact with each other just the way they would do in the real classroom.

     

    Conclusion

    It’s high time we try and reset higher education learning to meet the present 2020 demands by giving uninterrupted online learning.

    A virtual classroom software for teachers is the call of the day; a tool like Creatrix Campus is sure to break the shackle that disrupts the flow of higher education by waking up to a better tomorrow.

    Let the higher education institutions get into virtual learning mode and blend with technology for incessant learning even during a crisis like Covid-19 and beyond. Connect with team Creatrix Campus to learn more about virtual classroom software for teachers!

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  • 7 Trends to Inform Online Program Expansion in 2025

    7 Trends to Inform Online Program Expansion in 2025

    As I reviewed the new IPEDS data release last week, I was looking for the data and intelligence that would be most helpful for online enrollment leaders to have in hand to underpin and inform this year’s success. These points, in combination with key trends that became clear in other sources I reviewed late last year will enable online leaders to succeed this year as well as plan for the future.

    Note that I am not discussing changes that may emerge after January 20, but I will be doing so after a long talk I have scheduled with Cheryl Dowd from WCET who tracks online regulations and with whom I will be co-presenting at the RNL National Conference this summer.

    So, what do you need to know?

    1. Online and partially online enrollment continue to dominate growth.

    Four years after the pandemic, more students each year are continuing to decide to enroll in either fully or partially online study. While year-over-year change in every post-pandemic year has seen some “return to the classroom,” when compared with pre-pandemic enrollment (2019), 2.3 million more undergraduates and 450k more graduate students are choosing fully or partially online study. Perhaps more important, 3.2 million fewer undergraduates and 288k fewer graduate students are choosing classroom-only programs. Institutions seeking to grow enrollment must develop processes to quickly determine the best online programs to offer and get them “to market” within 12 months.

    Chart showing the pandemic transformed student preferences as millions of additional students chose online and partially online study

    2. Institutions seeking to grow online enrollment are now competing with non-profit institutions.

    As recently as five years ago, your strongest competition came from for-profit institutions. In some ways, these institutions were easy to beat (excepting their huge marketing budgets). They had taken a beating in the press to the extent that students knew about it, and they were far away and unknown. Today, institutions face no less of a competitive environment, but the institutions dominating the scene – and most likely a students’ search results – are national non-profits. These institutions are, of course, not local so they aren’t well known, but they have not been through the scrutiny which eroded interest in the for-profits. Student search engine results are also now filled with ambitious public and private institutions seeking to “diversity their revenue streams.” As such, institutional marketers need to adjust their strategies focused on successfully positioning their programs in a crowded market, knowing that they can “win” the student over the national online providers if they ensure that they rise to the top of search results.

    Graph showing national non-profits have taken the lead from for-profit institutions.Graph showing national non-profits have taken the lead from for-profit institutions.

    3. Online enrollment growth is being led by non-profit institutions.

    Seventeen of the 20 institutions reporting the greatest growth in online enrollment over the last five years are nonprofit institutions—a mix of ambitious public and private institutions and national non-profits. What is more, the total growth among institutions after the two behemoths far exceeds Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University. These nimble and dynamic institutions include a variety of institution types (with community colleges well represented) across the higher education sector. Institutions seeking to grow online enrollment should research what these institutions are offering and how they are positioning their programs in the market and emulate some of their best practices.

    Chart showing that the greatest online growth is among non-profit colleges.Chart showing that the greatest online growth is among non-profit colleges.

    4. New graduate program growth is dominated by online/partially online offerings.

    In 2024, a research study by Robert Kelchen documented growth in the number of available master’s programs in the U.S. over the last 15 years. Not only did Kelchen document a massive expansion in availability (over the 15-year period, institutions launched nearly 14,000 new master’s programs on a base of about 20,000), but also that the pace of launching online or hybrid programs dramatically outpaces classroom programs. This rise in available offerings far outpaces the rate of growth of the online student market, resulting in significantly higher levels of competition for each online student. Institutions seeking to grow their online footprint must ensure that they fully understand both the specific demand dynamics for each of their programs and the specifics of what online students want in their program. A mismatch on either factor will inhibit growth.

    Graph showing online/hybrid programs are driving new program development.Graph showing online/hybrid programs are driving new program development.

    5. Online success is breeding scrutiny of outcomes.

    We all know something of the power of social media today. This was reinforced for me recently by an Inside Higher Education story which focused on the 8-year rates of degree completion among the biggest online providers. The story was triggered by a widely read Linked IN post and followed up by numerous other stories and posts and comments across the platform. This is just the kind of exposure that is most likely to generate real scrutiny of the outcomes of online learning – which were already taking shape over the last year or more. In fact, this focus on outcomes ended up as one of the unfulfilled priorities of the Biden Education Department. I have long said that institutions seeking to enter the online space have an opportunity to tackle some of the quality issues that first plagued the for-profits, now challenge the national online non-profits, and will confront others if not addressed soon.

    Images showing online skeptics are raising concerns about completion rates among larger online providers.Images showing online skeptics are raising concerns about completion rates among larger online providers.

    6. Key preferences for online study have been changed by the pandemic.

    RNL’s own 2024 online student survey surfaced dozens of important findings that online leaders should consider as they chart their course. Two findings stand out as reflecting profound changes in online student preferences, and both are likely the result of pandemic-era experiences. First, all but 11 percent of online students told us that they are open to at least some synchronous activities in their program, likely the result of hundreds of online meetings during the pandemic. Similarly, they told us that the ideal time to communicate with recruiters/counselors from online programs is now during business hours. This is also likely to be related to the pandemic period, in which millions of people working from home began to regularly contend with some personal business during their day. Institutions should assess both of these factors as they think through student engagement (to address point #5), and the intense competition of the online space (to address point #3).

    Pie charts showing how pandemic experiences have shaped student preferences for synchronous/asynchronous classes and when to follow-upPie charts showing how pandemic experiences have shaped student preferences for synchronous/asynchronous classes and when to follow-up

    7. Contracting institutions are not focusing on online enrollment.

    Finally, we return to the new IPEDS data to see that institutions that have experienced the greatest enrollment contraction over the last five years demonstrate almost no access to fully online study (dark blue lines in the chart below), and only limited access to programs in which students can enroll in both online and classroom courses (light blue lines). Even where there has been some online or partially online growth, these efforts have not been given adequate attention to counterbalance contraction among students enrolled in classroom-only programs (green lines). These data again make it clear (as stated in point #1) that institutions facing classroom-only contraction must either amend their goals to account for reduced enrollment or determine which online or hybrid programs would be most attractive to students in their region and then ensure that such offerings are visible in a highly competitive higher education market.

    Chart showing contracting institutions are not focusing on online.Chart showing contracting institutions are not focusing on online.

    Explore more at our webinar

    Webinar: 5 Enrollment Trends You Need to Know for 2025Webinar: 5 Enrollment Trends You Need to Know for 2025

    Join us for a deeper dive into trends during our webinar, 5 Enrollment Trends You Need to Know for 2025. This discussion with me and a number of my RNL expert colleagues will look at research and trends that should shape strategic and tactical planning over the next 12 months. Particularly, as we enter what has been identified as the first year of the “demographic cliff,” data-informed decision-making will be more important to enrollment health than ever before. Register now.

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  • How to Recruit Students Online: 10 Effective Strategies

    How to Recruit Students Online: 10 Effective Strategies

    Reading Time: 13 minutes

    Now more than ever, knowing how to recruit students online is essential for success. In 2025, brochures and campus visits alone are no longer enough. A successful student recruitment plan requires a blend of innovative digital tools, personalized engagement, and a deep understanding of student behavior.

    At Higher Education Marketing, we’ve spent years refining our approach to online student recruitment, and we’re excited to share ten proven strategies that can take your recruitment efforts from awareness to enrollment this year. Keep reading for a deeper understanding of the enrollment process, actionable tips on recruiting students online, and access to our student recruitment resources.

    Struggling with enrollment?

    Our expert digital marketing services can help you attract and enroll more students!

    Understanding the Enrollment and Decision-Making Process

    The journey from awareness to enrollment as illustrated by the enrollment funnel is complex, often involving multiple stages of research, evaluation, and emotional investment. For prospective students and their families, choosing a school is a decision that balances academic aspirations, career goals, financial considerations, and personal preferences. 

    Understanding this process is essential for creating a recruitment strategy that aligns with their needs and motivations.

    Stage 1: Awareness

    At the beginning of the journey, students and their families are typically exploring broad options. They may be influenced by online advertisements, social media content, or recommendations. During this phase, your goal as a school is to make a positive first impression and provide easily accessible, engaging content. Students are looking for reasons to consider your institution, such as program variety, campus culture, or career outcomes. For families, financial feasibility and safety often rank high as priorities.

    A strong online presence is crucial here, including a well-optimized website with clear messaging, visually appealing social media accounts, and engaging videos that spark curiosity. For instance, showcasing testimonials from students with similar backgrounds or aspirations can help prospective students visualize themselves as part of your community.

    Stage 2: Consideration 

    Once students identify potential schools, they begin in-depth research. At this stage, they often turn to your website, virtual campus tours, and program details, comparing your institution to others. Families may analyze cost, scholarship opportunities, and academic flexibility, while students might focus on extracurricular activities, study-abroad opportunities, and campus life.

    To meet these needs, your content should highlight differentiators, such as unique programs, industry partnerships, or alumni success stories. Transparent communication is key—clearly outlining tuition fees, application requirements, and scholarship opportunities builds trust. Including testimonials from alumni and current students in similar fields can help students and families see the real-world value of your programs.

    Stage 3: Decision 

    When students are ready to make their final decision, the process becomes personal. Students and families are likely reaching out for additional information, attending virtual or in-person events, and engaging with admissions counselors. They want answers to specific questions, such as “What internships are available in this program?” or “What percentage of graduates find jobs in their field within six months?”

    Personalized follow-ups play a crucial role in this stage. Schools that demonstrate a genuine interest in the student’s goals and address family concerns are more likely to earn their trust. Hosting webinars with faculty and student panels can also provide authentic insights that make prospective students feel more connected to your institution.

    Stage 4: Enrollment

    After narrowing down their options, students proceed with the application process. For many, this stage can feel overwhelming, particularly if they’re applying to multiple schools or navigating complicated requirements. Families, on the other hand, may focus on evaluating financial aid packages and understanding the return on investment.

    Streamlining the application process is critical here. Ensure that your application portal is user-friendly, deadlines are clearly communicated, and the required documents are easy to upload. Offering guidance through a dedicated admissions counselor or chatbot can alleviate stress and improve the overall experience. Schools that simplify this process often see higher application completion rates.

    After submitting applications, the waiting period begins. At this stage, communication should remain active. Personalized acceptance letters, invitations to exclusive admitted-student events, or detailed guides on the next steps can keep students and their families engaged while reinforcing their decision to enroll.

    HEM IMAGE 2HEM IMAGE 2

    Source: HEM

    Need support in your school’s online student recruitment efforts? Reach out to learn more about our services! 

    How to Recruit Students Online 

    Want to explore how to recruit students online in more detail? The answer lies in combining data-driven insights, engaging content, and personalized communication to guide students through their enrollment journey as discussed above. From leveraging SEO and social media ads to creating interactive virtual tours and using chatbots for instant support, online student recruitment requires a multi-faceted approach that captures attention, builds trust, and inspires action. In the sections that follow, we’ll discuss ten proven strategies that can help you move prospective students seamlessly from awareness to enrollment. Let’s get started! 

    1. Start With Data-Driven Audience Insights

    The foundation of any successful recruitment strategy is understanding your target audience. Relying on broad demographics is no longer enough. Why is that? Today’s students expect hyper-personalized messaging at each level of the enrollment funnel. 

    Tools like Google Analytics, CRM systems, and social media insights provide invaluable data on prospective students’ preferences, online behavior, and decision-making patterns. The information you glean from your detailed demographic research will help you make informed campaign decisions.

    Behavioral information such as the length of each session, the devices used, bounce rates, and session attribution provides insight into how people are engaging with your site, when and why they may lose interest, and whether your site is optimized for desired actions such as filling out contact forms or subscribing to newsletters. If you’re looking to revamp your school’s online recruitment efforts, the use of data analytics tools is an excellent way to start planning.  

    2. Invest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

    Visibility is key in the awareness phase, and SEO ensures your school appears where prospective students are searching. Optimizing your website and blog content for high-ranking keywords can drive organic traffic from search engines. Long-tail keywords tend to be the most effective. 

    Long-tail keywords are highly specific search terms that prospective students use when looking for educational opportunities. These phrases, such as “best online MBA programs for working professionals” or “affordable graphic design diploma in Vancouver,” often reflect a searcher’s intent more clearly than generic keywords. 

    For schools, targeting long-tail keywords can drive qualified traffic to your website by connecting with students who are already in the decision-making phase. Unlike broader keywords, long-tail terms face less competition, making ranking higher in search engine results easier.

    To effectively use long-tail keywords, start with thorough keyword research. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or AnswerThePublic can uncover phrases students frequently search for. Analyze internal data, such as search terms used on your site, or interview current students to understand how they found your programs. 

    Pay close attention to questions students ask during open houses or information sessions—these often provide insight into potential long-tail keywords. Incorporating these terms naturally into blog posts, program pages, and FAQs can help your school align with the needs of prospective students, driving meaningful engagement and boosting enrollment. Additionally, focusing on local SEO—like “business schools in New York”—can capture the attention of students looking for programs within a specific region.

    HEM IMAGE 3HEM IMAGE 3

    Source: Google | Matthew’s Hall

    Example: If you want to maximize the effects of local SEO, you need a Google My Business account like the one pictured above. Prospects looking for schools in a particular geographic location are more likely to come across your school’s profile which reveals all the information they need to get in contact with you and even visit you in person. A Google My Business account also provides an official first impression of your school

    3. Leverage Social Media Ads with Predictive Targeting

    How does predictive targeting work on social media? By leveraging advanced algorithms, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok analyze user behavior and identify prospective students who are most likely to engage with your content or apply to your programs. 

    This approach not only increases the precision of your campaigns but also optimizes your marketing budget by focusing on high-intent audiences. Schools can use predictive targeting to showcase program-specific ads to users who have expressed interest in similar fields, ensuring a personalized and relevant experience. 

    For instance, promoting STEM programs to students who frequently engage with tech or science content creates a stronger connection and improves conversion rates. Predictive targeting helps schools reach the right students at the right time, making it a highly effective strategy for boosting enrollment outcomes.

    4. Develop Interactive Virtual Campus Tours

    While in-person visits are valuable, virtual campus tours have become indispensable for reaching international and out-of-state students. These tours should be interactive, incorporating 360-degree views of classrooms, dorms, and recreational facilities. 

    You can go a step further by integrating live Q&A sessions with student ambassadors or faculty during the tours. This provides a personalized touch and provides the opportunity to share valuable information and address concerns or barriers to enrollment.

    HEM IMAGE 4HEM IMAGE 4

    Source: University of Toronto | Virtual Campus Tours

    Example: The University of Toronto provides detailed, user-friendly virtual tours complete with a menu, high-quality 360-degree imagery, clear audio guidance, and valuable information about student life and available on-campus learning resources.

    5. Create Engaging Video Content Across Platforms

    Video content continues to dominate online engagement. For this reason, schools that prioritize video marketing see higher application rates, as videos create emotional connections with prospective students. From testimonials and alumni success stories to faculty introductions and campus events, video content humanizes your institution. 

    Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer dynamic opportunities for schools to showcase their programs, campus life, and success stories in ways that resonate deeply with their audience. Videos can humanize your institution, create a sense of community, and provide visual storytelling that goes beyond text and images.

    To start, consider the wide variety of video formats available and how each can serve a specific purpose. Short, attention-grabbing reels or TikTok videos are perfect for introducing prospective students to your campus culture or highlighting unique aspects of a program. For example, a day-in-the-life video of a current student studying abroad, participating in research, or preparing for a career in their field can inspire viewers to imagine themselves in similar roles. 

    Longer-form content, such as YouTube campus tours, faculty interviews, or alumni success stories, allows you to dive deeper into the value of your school and its offerings. Interactive live video events are a powerful tool for real-time engagement. Hosting live Q&A sessions with admissions counselors, students, or alumni provides an authentic look at your institution and builds trust with prospective students.

    Leverage platform-specific trends like TikTok’s creative, relatable content to showcase your programs and connect with current student interests. Participating in viral challenges or trending audio can make your school approachable and relevant.

    Optimize video formats for each platform—vertical for Instagram Reels and TikTok, horizontal for YouTube and Facebook—and include captions for accessibility. Focus on storytelling by highlighting the journeys of students, faculty expertise, and alumni success to create compelling, relatable content.

    HEM IMAGE 5HEM IMAGE 5

    Source: TikTok | University of Manchester

    Example: Here, the University of Manchester shares authentic, student-generated content that viewers will be able to relate to. This tends to be the most effective video format for fostering community among your student body and deepening your relationships with new leads.

    6. Use Chatbots for Instant Engagement

    Students today expect instant answers, and chatbots provide a seamless way to meet that demand. AI-powered chatbots can handle common inquiries about admissions deadlines, program details, and financial aid, freeing up your staff for more personalized interactions.

    HEM IMAGE 6HEM IMAGE 6

    Source: Excel Career College

    Example: Here, Excel Career College provides an instant chatbot option for site visitors. The tool asks questions to categorize each interaction, determining what information and resources to share with the user. Chatbots help streamline the enrollment process, particularly at the awareness stage, by providing a convenient way for important questions to be answered. 

    7. Build a Strong Presence on Review Platforms

    Prospective students and their families often rely on online reviews to make decisions. Platforms like Google Reviews and specialized education sites are vital in this regard. Proactively managing your online reputation by encouraging current students and alumni to leave positive reviews can enhance trust and credibility. How can you build a strong public reputation? 

    To start, addressing negative reviews or complaints with empathy and transparency can significantly improve public perception. Schools should respond promptly to concerns, offering solutions where possible and demonstrating a genuine commitment to student and family satisfaction. A well-handled negative review can turn into an opportunity to show your institution’s dedication to improvement and care.

    In addition, fostering community connections can garner a positive reputation and good reviews across various platforms. Parents and local communities play a crucial role in shaping your reputation. Hosting events such as open houses, community service projects, or alumni panels fosters goodwill and positions your school as an integral part of the community. Engaging with parents through newsletters, personalized communication, and parent-specific resources further strengthens relationships and encourages positive word-of-mouth. 

    Positive reviews can also be amplified by showcasing testimonials and case studies from current students and alumni. Create detailed profiles of students who have achieved their goals through your programs and share their stories on your website, social media, and promotional materials. 

    8. Offer Personalized Email Campaigns

    Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing leads and guiding them through the enrollment funnel. Unlike many other channels, email provides a direct line of communication that allows your school to build meaningful connections with your audience over time. 

    By crafting personalized email campaigns tailored to the unique needs and interests of prospective students, schools can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates. For instance, including program-specific content that highlights key features, career outcomes, and testimonials from current students or alumni can help prospects visualize themselves succeeding in that program. 

    Additionally, timely reminders about critical application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, or upcoming events like open houses or webinars create a sense of urgency and keep prospective students actively engaged with the admissions process. When done effectively, personalized email campaigns foster trust and rapport while providing valuable, actionable information that empowers prospective students to make informed decisions about their educational journey.

    9. Host Webinars on Trending Topics

    Webinars are a fantastic way to showcase your expertise and connect directly with prospective students. Hosting sessions on trending topics like “Careers in Artificial Intelligence” or “How to Finance Your College Education” can position your school as a thought leader in the field. During these sessions, including live interactions with faculty, alumni, or current students makes the experience even more compelling.

    HEM IMAGE 7HEM IMAGE 7

    Source: The Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences

    Example: The Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences puts itself at the forefront of pharmaceutical education on a variety of topics that appeal to career-seekers in the field by hosting several educational events each month. Their upcoming workshops and webinars are easy to find on their website. Users can also access recorded webinars.

    10. Emphasize Alumni and Career Outcomes

    Finally, showcasing the success of your alumni is one of the most compelling ways to attract prospective students. Highlighting career outcomes, such as high employment rates or notable employers, demonstrates the tangible value of your programs. 

    Showcasing alumni success is one of the most impactful ways to attract prospective students and their families. When students see tangible evidence of career achievements—whether it’s high-profile employers, entrepreneurial ventures, or significant industry contributions—they are more likely to perceive your programs as a pathway to their own aspirations. 

    Alumni stories provide real-world validation of your school’s value and help prospective students envision their future success. Leverage alumni by creating a dynamic “Alumni Success Wall” on your website or use social media campaigns that highlight diverse career paths. Include those in traditional corporate roles as well as entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders to represent a broad spectrum of success. Video testimonials can be particularly powerful, capturing the emotions, challenges, and triumphs of alumni journeys.

    Schools can also build relationships between alumni and prospective students through mentorship programs, webinars, or networking events. For instance, hosting a virtual panel featuring alumni working in fields related to your school’s programs provides insights and inspiration for prospective students.

    HEM IMAGE 8HEM IMAGE 8

    Source: John Cabot University

    Example: John Cabot University has an Alumni Ambassadors Program designed to provide mentorship to current students and provide alumni with an interconnected network of fellow graduates and faculty members. Prospects like to know that access to your school’s support and resources doesn’t end at graduation. Like JCU, consider hosting regular events, encourage alumni to share their positive experiences with your institution, and foster mentorship within your culture. 

    Final Thoughts: Aligning Strategy With Student Expectations

    In summary, let’s explore how to write a college recruitment plan that works. Online student recruitment is about building meaningful connections with prospective students. By integrating data-driven insights, focussing on connection and personalization, providing value, and streaming the enrollment process, you can create a cohesive, impactful approach that resonates with students at every stage of their journey, from initial awareness to final enrollment. 

    At Higher Education Marketing, we specialize in helping schools like yours navigate the complexities of digital recruitment. Let’s work together to create campaigns that inspire, engage, and deliver results!

    Struggling with enrollment?

    Our expert digital marketing services can help you attract and enroll more students!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Question: How to recruit students online in more detail? 

    Answer: The answer lies in combining data-driven insights, engaging content, and personalized communication to guide students through their enrollment journey. 

    Question: How to write a college recruitment plan that works? 

    Answer: Online student recruitment is about building meaningful connections with prospective students. By integrating data-driven insights, focussing on connection and personalization, providing value, and streaming the enrollment process, you can create a cohesive, impactful approach that resonates with students at every stage of their journey, from initial awareness to final enrollment.



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  • A Response to ‘Online Degrees Out of Reach’

    A Response to ‘Online Degrees Out of Reach’

    A Response to ‘Online Degrees Out of Reach’

    Susan H. Greenberg

    Mon, 01/13/2025 – 03:00 PM

    An ed-tech consultant writes that a recent article about online completion rates “shows a disturbing disregard for the complexities of education outcomes.”

    Byline(s)

    Letters to the Editor

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  • Online Learners: Generational Influences on Expectations and Satisfaction

    Online Learners: Generational Influences on Expectations and Satisfaction

    Earlier this year, I was interested to read RNL’s Generations of Online Learners report, which was produced by cross-tabbing our national survey of (largely) prospective online students by the three primary student generations. There has been greater awareness in recent years of the influence of generational differences in higher education, and this made me interested to explore the perceptions of students by age within our National Online Learners dataset.

    These data reflect the responses to the RNL Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) over the past three academic years (fall 2021 through spring 2024), which now reflects a fully post-pandemic point of view. The total data represents 101,925 student records from 153 institutions. The PSOL asks students to indicate a level of importance and a level of satisfaction on a variety of experiences associated with their online study.

    While the standard age categories used in the PSOL don’t exactly line up with the generational parameters, we can get close with these designations:

    Age Indicator Generational Designation
    19-24 Gen Z
    25-34 Millennial (One)
    35-44 Millennial (Two)
    45 -54 GenX

    Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment

    One of the high priority items on the PSOL is the perception of “Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment.”

    Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment.

    Gen Z Millennial (One) Millennial (Two) Gen X
    Importance* 86% 89% 91% 92%
    Satisfaction** 62% 67% 71% 76%

    *% of students who indicated the item was important/very important
    **% of students who indicated they were satisfied/very satisfied with this item

    While this item is just 6 percent less important to Gen Z students than it is to Gen Xers, Gen Z students are 14 percent less satisfied than the Gen Xers. The older the student, the more likely they are to be satisfied with their tuition investment. What this says to online programs is you may need to more intentionally build the case for the investment of time and resources when you are recruiting and looking to retain Gen Z students (the primary “traditional age” student cohort) than you may need to be when recruiting (and seeking to retain) either Millennials or Gen X online students.

    Items of less importance to Gen Z/more important to Gen X

    Three other items stand out as being much less important to Gen Z students than they are to Gen X students:

    • This institution has a good reputation.
    • Factor to enroll: Reputation of the institution
    • Source of information: Catalog (online)

    Each of these items saw at least 10 percent less importance among Gen Z online students when compared with Gen X.

    This could be considered in the reverse: these items are actually more important to older students than they are younger students. If you are an online program that is specifically looking to recruit online learners who are older, you may want to emphasize your overall reputation and include reliable resources that speak to the quality of the education you are providing.

    These Gen X ratings may be (at least in part) due to a lack of exposure that this generation had to online learning options when they were younger; they may need more evidence that online learning is an acceptable way to get a degree. In addition, older online students may be more accustomed to reviewing catalogs and expecting to see a complete catalog as an online resource as they are determining their program and direction for course work.

    Conversely, the relative lack of concern that Gen Z students give to issues of reputation (likely as a placeholder for “quality” of the program) is likely an indicator of their comfort with the online modality – which for them does not represent something experimental or new. Particularly after the pandemic (and their exposure to online or remote learning) they may not have loved those experiences, but they did become quite comfortable with them.

    Five areas where Gen Z students are much less satisfied than Gen X

    There were a number of factors for which Gen Z online students indicated satisfaction levels which are 10 percent or more lower than among Gen X online students.

    Faculty provide timely feedback about student progress.

    Gen Z Millennial (One) Millennial (Two) Gen X
    Satisfaction* 66% 71% 73% 76%

    *% of students who indicated they were satisfied/very satisfied with this item

    The quality of instruction is excellent.

    Gen Z Millennial (One) Millennial (Two) Gen X
    Satisfaction* 65% 70% 72% 76%

    *% of students who indicated they were satisfied/very satisfied with this item

    Adequate financial aid is available.

    Gen Z Millennial (One) Millennial (Two) Gen X
    Satisfaction* 59% 66% 68% 70%

    *% of students who indicated they were satisfied/very satisfied with this item

    I receive timely information on the availability of financial aid.

    Gen Z Millennial (One) Millennial (Two) Gen X
    Satisfaction* 64% 72% 74% 74%

    *% of students who indicated they were satisfied/very satisfied with this item

    This institution responds quickly when I request information.

    Gen Z Millennial (One) Millennial (Two) Gen X
    Satisfaction* 68 % 76 % 78 % 80 %

    *% of students who indicated they were satisfied/very satisfied with this item

    These data make it clear that the youngest online students are clearly less satisfied with their experience than are older generations. Note that all respondents are in fully online programs and are not reflecting any of the “emergency remote learning” that occurred during the pandemic – a period that precedes the data collection window. Having said this, these younger students may be more ready to be critical of fully online learning due to possible pandemic-era remote learning experiences. Alternatively, their lifelong exposure to all things online may just make them have higher expectations of their online programs than older students. As we have documented elsewhere, their expectations may be informed by the many other highly personalized and speedy online interactions they have in other spheres of their lives.

    The results reflected here provide an opportunity for online programs to consider the student populations they are targeting for recruitment purposes and how they can best retain them through to completion of the program – and thereby maximize their student success outcomes. Targeted initiatives and communication related to these priority areas for younger students may best serve institutions with achieving their goals, recognizing that students in different age groups have different perceptions and perspectives that they bring with them to the higher education experience.

    Survey your students

    The most relevant and useful data points that will maximize student success are always specific to each institution. For this reason, it is important that institutions (and in this case online programs) need to survey their own student population to identify areas of importance and satisfaction (and dissatisfaction). Once you have data for your own institution (or online program), you can isolate it by various demographics and then target your activities for subpopulations that may be less satisfied with their experience. The work you do to gather student feedback data, to explore it for insights and to use it to inform actions will have the greatest impact on student success.

    Contact me if you would like to learn more about administering the Priorities Survey for Online Learners with your students.

    I also invite you to download the 2024 National Student Satisfaction and Priorities Report to learn more about the perceptions of students by class level in traditional and online programs

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  • Online Learning Infrastructure: Assessing the Current State

    Online Learning Infrastructure: Assessing the Current State

    How Insight and Evaluation Can Lead to Execution

    Let’s set the stage. You’re a sharp, focused higher education leader staring down the realities of expanding your online and hybrid learning programs. You’ve got big goals: running your online operations in-house, owning the process, and driving growth on your terms. 

    This is where Online Growth Enablement comes in. This isn’t a fancy buzzword. It’s the real work behind sustainable change. It’s the boots-on-the-ground understanding of exactly where you are today so you can figure out how to move forward tomorrow. 

    At Archer, we do this every day — rolling up our sleeves and digging deep to map out the real picture of an institution’s online learning infrastructure. Because, let’s be honest. The only way to grow is to start with the truth about your current state and your place within the landscape of the communities you serve with your programs.

    Why Your Current State Matters 

    Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum — especially not in online learning. Enabling the growth of your online learning infrastructure takes coordination, collaboration, and a whole lot of buy-in from every corner of your university. Marketing, tech, enrollment, financial aid, the registrar, faculty, leadership — if they’re not on the same page as you, you can’t successfully move forward. Period.  

    Driving real growth starts with taking an unflinching look at where you stand today. Questions you should be asking about your online operations include: 

    This isn’t about a vague, feel-good assessment from 50,000 feet up. It’s about getting into the weeds. Because, until you understand the inner workings of your current infrastructure, you’re not going to build anything sustainable. You’ll just be putting a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling foundation. And that’s not going to cut it in the long run.

    The Power of Deep Insights

    Let’s take a look at a real-world example of why a close examination of your current online learning infrastructure matters. One of our partner universities was taking 14 days to review and process the transcripts of students applying to their online programs. This might work fine for a traditional on-campus program with two or three big start dates a year, but for an online program, the game changes. To stay competitive, you need five or six start dates annually. And that 14-day turnaround? For our partner, it meant missing out on dozens of potential enrollments.  

    Fixing this issue wasn’t about throwing money at the problem. It was about setting a clear benchmark and making it happen. We worked with the institution to rethink its processes, reassign its teams’ responsibilities, and streamline every single step of its transcript review.  

    The effectiveness of every touchpoint you have with a potential student and every handoff between your admissions, financial aid, and academic advising teams affects your ability to deliver an overall positive student experience. Deep operational insights aren’t just nice to have; they’re the key to uncovering bottlenecks so you can clear the way for real, measurable growth. 

    How We Help: The Growth Enablement Assessment

    At Archer, we don’t do guesswork. We help our partners make sense of the current state of their online learning infrastructure through our Growth Enablement Assessment — a no-stone-left-unturned look at every department and operational variable. From enrollment workflows to marketing execution, we get into the details that others overlook to help you figure out where you are and make a plan for where you want to be.

    Our approach is anchored in our Good, Better, Best methodology:  

    This isn’t just an audit. It’s a road map. By pinpointing exactly where you stand and where you need to go, we equip you with the insights and strategies to move your online learning operations from functional to thriving. 

    Why It’s All Worth It

    Yes, this takes time. Yes, it’s hard work. But the payoff is undeniable.  

    Fully understanding the current state of your online learning infrastructure isn’t just a box to check — it’s the foundation for every initiative that follows. It gives you the clarity to enhance not only your online learning programs but also the overall health and effectiveness of your institution.  

    When you commit to this process, you’re building something bigger than just operational efficiency. You’re creating alignment across departments, fostering innovation, and embedding collaboration and continuous improvement into your institution’s culture. When every team is in sync, bottlenecks disappear, every touchpoint matters, and your processes deliver on the promise of a strong student experience.  

    It’s not just worth it. It’s transformative.  If you’re ready to take the first step toward long-term success and scalability, contact Archer Education. Let’s build the online learning infrastructure your institution deserves, together.

    Subscribe to the Higher Ed Marketing Journal:


    John Goodwin

    John Goodwin is Archer Education’s EVP of Online Growth Enablement. Archer revolutionizes the student experience by supporting partners through change, helping institutions achieve sustainable growth while fostering self-sufficiency.

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  • Combining AI and Human Expertise to Better Protect K-12 Students Online

    Combining AI and Human Expertise to Better Protect K-12 Students Online

    protect-student-online-harmful-cyberbullying

    Content warning – this article discusses suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for more resources.


    AI was one of the major themes of 2024.The discussion frequently revolved around its impact on work, but there are innovative ways it can be used to complement human insight to address significant societal challenges.

    For example, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 (2022) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This impacts everyone from families to educators. In one small Missouri town, a K-12 Safety Support Specialist was alerted when a student searched, “How much Tylenol does it take to die?” and “What is the best way to kill yourself?” These online searches triggered the school’s student safety tool which uses machine learning to identify harmful content. A specialist was immediately notified and was able to quickly intervene, providing the student with the necessary support to prevent self-harm. 

    There is an urgent need for effective solutions to protect students from threats like suicide, self-harm, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. A combination of machine learning detection to allow for speed and scale, and human review to allow for context and nuance, is required for a comprehensive K-12 student safety tool. This allows schools to act when needed, as guided by their own Safety Plan. According to Talmage Clubbs, Director of Counseling for Neosho District in Missouri, “Our students know about it [student safety K-12 tool]. We have students purposely typing in keywords so they can be pulled in and talked to about their suicidality, their mental health issues, anything like that because they are struggling, and they just don’t know how else to reach anybody.”  

    Another example where human intervention is essential is when a machine learning-powered solution flags anatomical text as explicit content, but this might be for legitimate science coursework. Human reviewers can verify educational intent by examining context like student age and subject. 

    In the 2022-2023 school year, 94% of public schools report providing digital devices, such as laptops or tablets, to students according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This is a 28% growth from the number of devices provided pre-pandemic in middle schools and a 52% growth for elementary school students. As students spend more time online for school, they also use these devices for extracurricular learning and making social connections. However, they also have easier access to inappropriate content online. The challenges of ensuring online safety have become increasingly complex, as more students may seek harmful information or engage in distressing or inappropriate behaviors.

    To truly support all students — regardless of their socioeconomic background or technological literacy — in the digital age, solutions must be user-friendly and adaptable to the diverse needs of schools and districts. By collaborating — educators, technology providers like GoGuardian, and policymakers can create a future where AI enhances educational experiences for students, fosters healthy human connection and empathy, and ensures privacy.

    This also supports educators in today’s digital world who require innovative safety and security solutions to enable students to thrive physically, mentally, and academically while ensuring their well-being and academic progress. “You can rest well at night, knowing you are changing districts and saving lives,” says Dr. Jim Cummins, Superintendent of Neosho District.


    To learn more, visit GoGuardian.com


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  • Online Presence and Social Media for Academics Attending and Presenting at Events

    Online Presence and Social Media for Academics Attending and Presenting at Events

    The best time to share about your upcoming talk or presentation is before it happens. Some people find that their most engaged post on social media is announcing that you’ve submitted your abstract to speak (or your publication). People are excited by the possibility and what you care about. Telling your story of your upcoming speaking engagement is a great way to do that. 

    Sharing on social media can start early, but I don’t want you to think it’s the only way to help your online presence and the people coming to your talk. You’re going to explore many ideas today, but you don’t have to try all of them. I hope that there’s at least one idea that resonates with you and you’d feel comfortable trying it yourself.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
    Want emails from Jennifer about building your online presence? Subscribe to her email list.
    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
    Prefer to watch videos? Subscribe on YouTube.

    When you submit an abstract for or are invited to speak

    Add your website URL and social media handle to your bio. This will help people find you before, during, and after your presentation.

    I’ve just submitted an abstract to speak at…

    Announce that you’ve submitted – If you’ve been invited to speak, a good time to share on social media is when you’ve agreed or committed to that engagement. It’s great to add your social media handle and a link to your personal academic website if you have one, along with your bio. You might add that information to your CV.

    Connect with people before you go

    Once your talk is confirmed, you can add it to your website and you might take time to connect with your fellow panelists or event organizers before the event.

    Conference Hashtag

    If there is one, you can check out the conference hashtag and make plans with people who will also be at the event that you want to see, especially if you live in different cities or countries.

    Business cards

    If you have a business card, add your social media handle and website there is a good idea.

    Share your talk on social media

    When you’re sharing your talk on social media, people need more information than you expect. They need to know what your talk is about, when your talk is to know if they can attend, what the event is, and any link where they can learn more information. This is something you can share on any social media platform or across all your platforms.

    Some professors hesitate to share their upcoming talk on Facebook where they may have a more personal audience, but these people are excited by what you care about when it comes to your research and how you choose to spend your energy. You might include , on all social media posts, any definition or story that helps people better understand why this talk or research matters to you.

    Tag people or organizations that are related to your talk or event. 

    The conference hashtag can be added to your post about your talk but you can also add a hashtag that relates to the topic of what you are presenting on.

    You can share the post about your talk before, during or after the event. 

    Create a graphic or infographic

    If you create a graphic or share an image to go with your talk, a great resource is Writing image Descriptions on Accessible Social – which helps you create social media posts accessible for people with disabilities.

    Want a quick personal academic website?

    If you don’t have one already, you might create a personal academic website with Owlstown.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
    Want emails from Jennifer about building your online presence? Subscribe to her email list.
    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
    Prefer to watch videos? Subscribe on YouTube.

    The next ideas are for things you can do while the event is happening.

    Check out the conference hashtag, again

    If you checked out the event hashtag, you might find that people weren’t using it. Once the event starts, you can start using the conference hashtag and check it out! See if there is a conversation you want to be part of, or an event you want to check out.

    Be open about your online presence

    The best thing you can do for your online presence while at an in person event, is to be open that you have a website or that you’re on social media.

    Help people find and connect with you

    You can make this easier for people by making a QR code that helps people go to your website, have this info on a business card, create a hand out with information or resource about your talk (that includes people need to your online presence) , or use an end slide in your presentation to help people connect with you after the event is over.

    Resources to take home and share

    When you create a resource like a handout or links /slides to share, that can go on your personal academic website. They can also be shared on social media using that conference hashtag to help people find this resource that you’ve already taken the time to gather.

    Will this be recorded?

    Ask if there is going to be a recording. Sometimes, there isn’t an official recording but you can ask if you can record yourself.

    Stay connected once you’re gone

    Connect with people you meet or you like and admire on social media, while at the conference. Helps others be more likely to learn about you.

    It’s okay if you don’t do any of that too

    I have never had time for any of that at conferences, personally. In person events can be overwhelming for me as an introvert. Because of that, I don’t have the brain capacity to remember things like take a photo, much less record some videos. 

    Anything I just talked about – some of those things can be prepped in advance others you don’t have to do live (you can do afterward)

    Next are ideas you can do after your presentation or talk is over.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
    Want emails from Jennifer about building your online presence? Subscribe to her email list.
    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
    Prefer to watch videos? Subscribe on YouTube.

    Record your talk

    Whether there was a recording of your talk or not, you could always record your talk and slides using zoom, then post the video to your website or social media. There are options to share the full version of your talk, if you like to. You can just share the title slide, or full text version of the talk, or even the full slides.

    Connect with people when you’re back at home

    If you didn’t connect with people during the event, sometimes connecting AFTER the event is easier. You can look at the conference hashtag. Look through the business cards you collected.  See the conference program and look at the bios to see who is on social media.

    Create and/or share resources

    If you didn’t have resources to share at your talk, if there are things you want people to know after the fact, you can create a graphic or handout that is shareable on social media or a page on your website.

    Celebrate other people

    While you can post about your own talk, you can also post about your panel and thank the conference and event organizers. If you want to participate in the conference community but not want to talk about your own talk, you can celebrate others instead. It’s a great opportunity for PIs to celebrate their lab members or grad students who are at the event. There are so many ways to celebrate people instead of yourself, if that feels comfortable or more exciting for you.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
    Want emails from Jennifer about building your online presence? Subscribe to her email list.
    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
    Prefer to watch videos? Subscribe on YouTube.

    Take a picture before your talk

    These don’t have to be professional shots. A messy desk shot or photo of you working on your slides or going over your notes on the plane. Something that feels quick or easy to you.

    Take pictures during the event

    Snap a photo of things you see, people you meet, friends you catch up with. Ask someone to take photos of you while you’re speaking or pose at the conference. 

    You could record a video of your talk

    This can be before, during, or after the event.

    You can record a video about your talk

    Record a short video introducing your talk and the main takeaways. This video is especially for people who couldn’t be there live for your presentation.

    Record some b-roll

    If you like video, record b-roll video. Take a sip of coffee, getting ready to speak, short travel clips, video of fellow panelists or friends. These might be put into a longer video or Instagram reel. 

    But these might feel like too much – so even though they are fun ideas, don’t be stressed if you do none of them.

    What feels most do-able for you?

    Here are tips for virtual events specifically.

    The form above subscribes you to new posts published on The Social Academic blog.
    Want emails from Jennifer about building your online presence? Subscribe to her email list.
    Looking for the podcast? Subscribe on Spotify.
    Prefer to watch videos? Subscribe on YouTube.

    Guides and Advice Articles Online Presence How To’s Resources for Grad Students Share Your Research Social Media How To’s The Social Academic

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  • Online Presence and Social Media for Academics Attending and Presenting at Events

    Online Presence and Social Media for Academics Attending and Presenting at Events

    The best time to share about your upcoming talk or presentation is before it happens. Some people find that their most engaged post on social media is announcing that you’ve submitted your abstract to speak (or your publication). People are excited by the possibility and what you care about. Telling your story of your upcoming speaking engagement is a great way to do that. 

    Sharing on social media can start early, but I don’t want you to think it’s the only way to help your online presence and the people coming to your talk. You’re going to explore many ideas today, but you don’t have to try all of them. I hope that there’s at least one idea that resonates with you and you’d feel comfortable trying it yourself.

    When you submit an abstract for or are invited to speak

    Add your website URL and social media handle to your bio. This will help people find you before, during, and after your presentation.

    I’ve just submitted an abstract to speak at…

    Announce that you’ve submitted – If you’ve been invited to speak, a good time to share on social media is when you’ve agreed or committed to that engagement. It’s great to add your social media handle and a link to your personal academic website if you have one, along with your bio. You might add that information to your CV.

    A woman looking at an open laptop on a desk in a coffee shop. Her backpack is leaning in the corner by the window. It's a sunny day, with light streaming in.

    Connect with people before you go

    Once your talk is confirmed, you can add it to your website and you might take time to connect with your fellow panelists or event organizers before the event.

    Conference Hashtag

    If there is one, you can check out the conference hashtag and make plans with people who will also be at the event that you want to see, especially if you live in different cities or countries.

    Business cards

    If you have a business card, add your social media handle and website there is a good idea.

    Share your talk on social media

    When you’re sharing your talk on social media, people need more information than you expect. They need to know what your talk is about, when your talk is to know if they can attend, what the event is, and any link where they can learn more information. This is something you can share on any social media platform or across all your platforms.

    Some professors hesitate to share their upcoming talk on Facebook where they may have a more personal audience, but these people are excited by what you care about when it comes to your research and how you choose to spend your energy. You might include , on all social media posts, any definition or story that helps people better understand why this talk or research matters to you.

    Tag people or organizations that are related to your talk or event. 

    The conference hashtag can be added to your post about your talk but you can also add a hashtag that relates to the topic of what you are presenting on.

    You can share the post about your talk before, during or after the event. 

    Create a graphic or infographic

    If you create a graphic or share an image to go with your talk, a great resource is Writing image Descriptions on Accessible Social – which helps you create social media posts accessible for people with disabilities.

    Want a quick personal academic website?

    If you don’t have one already, you might create a personal academic website with Owlstown.

    A black woman at the front of a large lecture hall holds a microphone in discussion with a white  woman with short brown hair sitting at a desk nearby, also at the front of the room. That woman is speaking near a smaller lectern microphone. Each woman holds papers in her hands.

    These are ideas are for your online presence and networking while a conference or event is happening.

    Check out the conference hashtag, again

    If you checked out the event hashtag, you might find that people weren’t using it. Once the event starts, you can start using the conference hashtag and check it out! See if there is a conversation you want to be part of, or an event you want to check out.

    Be open about your online presence

    The best thing you can do for your online presence while at an in person event, is to be open that you have a website or that you’re on social media.

    Help people find and connect with you

    You can make this easier for people by making a QR code that helps people go to your website, have this info on a business card, create a hand out with information or resource about your talk (that includes people need to your online presence) , or use an end slide in your presentation to help people connect with you after the event is over.

    Resources to take home and share

    When you create a resource like a handout or links /slides to share, that can go on your personal academic website. They can also be shared on social media using that conference hashtag to help people find this resource that you’ve already taken the time to gather.

    Will this be recorded?

    Ask if there is going to be a recording. Sometimes, there isn’t an official recording but you can ask if you can record yourself.

    Stay connected once you’re gone

    Connect with people you meet or you like and admire on social media, while at the conference. Helps others be more likely to learn about you.

    It’s okay if you don’t do any of that too

    I have never had time for any of that at conferences, personally. In person events can be overwhelming for me as an introvert. Because of that, I don’t have the brain capacity to remember things like take a photo, much less record some videos. 

    Anything I just talked about – some of those things can be prepped in advance others you don’t have to do live (you can do afterward)

    Next are ideas you can do after your presentation or talk is over.

    Record your talk

    Whether there was a recording of your talk or not, you could always record your talk and slides using zoom, then post the video to your website or social media. There are options to share the full version of your talk, if you like to. You can just share the title slide, or full text version of the talk, or even the full slides.

    Connect with people when you’re back at home

    If you didn’t connect with people during the event, sometimes connecting AFTER the event is easier. You can look at the conference hashtag. Look through the business cards you collected.  See the conference program and look at the bios to see who is on social media.

    Create and/or share resources

    If you didn’t have resources to share at your talk, if there are things you want people to know after the fact, you can create a graphic or handout that is shareable on social media or a page on your website.

    Celebrate other people

    While you can post about your own talk, you can also post about your panel and thank the conference and event organizers. If you want to participate in the conference community but not want to talk about your own talk, you can celebrate others instead. It’s a great opportunity for PIs to celebrate their lab members or grad students who are at the event. There are so many ways to celebrate people instead of yourself, if that feels comfortable or more exciting for you.

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    Take a picture before your talk

    These don’t have to be professional shots. A messy desk shot or photo of you working on your slides or going over your notes on the plane. Something that feels quick or easy to you.

    Take pictures during the event

    Snap a photo of things you see, people you meet, friends you catch up with. Ask someone to take photos of you while you’re speaking or pose at the conference. 

    You could record a video of your talk

    This can be before, during, or after the event.

    You can record a video about your talk

    Record a short video introducing your talk and the main takeaways. This video is especially for people who couldn’t be there live for your presentation.

    Record some b-roll

    If you like video, record b-roll video. Take a sip of coffee, getting ready to speak, short travel clips, video of fellow panelists or friends. These might be put into a longer video or Instagram reel. 

    But these might feel like too much – so even though they are fun ideas, don’t be stressed if you do none of them.

    What feels most do-able for you?

    Here are tips for virtual events specifically.

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  • The Key Aspects to Keeping Children Safe Online

    The Key Aspects to Keeping Children Safe Online

    In today’s digital age, ensuring student safety online is a top priority for both parents and schools. Technology has opened new doors for enhancing student learning and engagement, but it also requires thoughtful strategies to ensure students remain safe.

    As schools embrace these technological advancements, both parents and administrators must work together to implement safety measures and address the evolving responsibilities that come with digital education. Experts from the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) share their insights on how to navigate these opportunities effectively while keeping students safe.

    Evolving safety protocols

    Cathy Leavitt, an instructional technologist and AECT member, explains that schools have increasingly adopted tools to safeguard students on digital platforms. “There are great apps and software that record what children are doing on devices,” Leavitt notes, emphasizing the importance of tools that monitor and restrict access to harmful content. However, technology alone isn’t enough. Leavitt stresses that digital literacy is vital to fostering a safe online environment, teaching students how to navigate the digital world responsibly.

    The importance of digital literacy

    Bruce DuBoff, Ph.D., past president of the NJ Association of School Librarians and nominated Ethics Officer for AECT, identifies a gap between today’s digital skills and the safety practices needed in schools. “We live in a world rocked by Future Shock,” DuBoff says, which describes the rapid technological advancements that have outpaced current educational approaches. He advocates for early education in ethical online behavior, with librarians playing a pivotal role in integrating technologies like podcasting, game design, and web development, which not only enhance learning but also ensure safe online engagement.

    Dr. DuBoff argues that the biggest threat isn’t Artificial Intelligence (AI) but the social media algorithms that create information silos, limiting students’ exposure to diverse viewpoints. By educating students on the risks of these algorithms and promoting digital literacy programs like Common Sense Education’s Digital Citizenship curriculum, schools can better equip students to navigate the online world safely.

    The role of parents

    Parental involvement is essential in maintaining online safety. Leavitt advocates for parents to monitor their children’s digital activities, even if it might feel like an invasion of privacy. She calls for a “unified approach” between schools and parents, with regular communication to ensure parents understand the risks their children face online. Schools play a crucial role by educating parents as much as students and providing ongoing resources to reinforce safe practices at home.

    Cybersecurity and administrative challenges

    As schools adopt more digital learning platforms, cybersecurity threats such as data breaches and cyberattacks have escalated. Leavitt points out that strong security measures such as two-factor authentication and regular updates are critical to safeguarding student data. However, these measures introduce additional challenges for school administrators, who must balance tight budgets and manage the growing costs of technology maintenance and staff training. Schools need to allocate resources strategically, ensuring that cybersecurity is prioritized without unnecessary overspending.

    Moving forward

    Keeping students safe in the digital world increasingly requires collaboration and a unified approach between parents, teachers, and administrators at schools. Open communication between all three groups from a common framework of understanding provided in comprehensive digital literacy programs combined with strong cybersecurity measures are essential to creating safer online environments for our loved ones while managing the administrative challenges that come with these advancements.

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