Websites and Retention
Particularly at Career colleges where students are coming and going often and have busy lives school websites can create a common place where students get information such as important dates, events, and activities. It is a "hub" for students to connect with the school from home, work; anywhere. A well designed, informative website can improve retention as well.
Robert,
The key is to link. Do anything that you can to link students... this helps to keep the dream alive.
Dr. Larry Banks
I am beginning to see all the different uses that websites can offer our students. All students have an email address they are issued so we can keep them up on daily events and personal communications. We will have a student portal active in the new year to allow students to view and print their grades and academic progress and access programs they might not have on their computers. There is an alumni website for all students to view that allows for job searching and networking across the entire Delta network of schools. Our school website has links in to a facebook page. These are only the main sites I am aware of. As we become more and more computer dependent, I see how this can help keep students "linked in" to the school culture.
I have found that retention is inly highly successfull when the teacher and or instructor is exiting to listen too.
Yes, do anything that you can to communicate and keep students engaged. The key is to form relationships and connections.
Dr. Larry Banks
I agree. We have a student portal that can be accessed from any location globally. This allows students to email their instructor and classmates, check school announcements, etc. A very helpful tool that keeps everyone connected!
