by , Vice President, Product Management and Marketing
Social Platforms & Higher Education
Over the past few years, the Internet has had a major impact on higher education. Now, instead of traditional face-to-face learning being the only educational option out there, students can opt to take classes online.
Online courses have become increasingly popular due to the benefits associated with this learning platform. Although the same work must be put into online classes versus face-to-face classes, online students are able to better fit their learning time into their every day schedule. This makes it easier to work at a job, take care of kids and family, or take more classes at a time.
However, many students do not complete their courses and online programs because student’s taking online courses have a feeling that they don’t belong. This is a critical challenge for institutions who are being pressured to improve their student retention and graduation rates
Using social or engagement platforms to bring the campus to the student and engage the student by connecting them to other students and faculty outside of their virtual classroom, as well as with program directors and staff, can help boost retention and improve student outcomes. An social platform can remove the sense of isolation while helping to deliver better support and services to students. The following infographic gives you more information on how social platforms can benefit higher education institutions.