Fall 2007
Retention and Integration of Community College Students in Distance Learning
Tompkins Cortland Community College completes study for ICCD's Applied Research Grant Program
By Dr. Kris Altucher, Director of Institutional Research,
and Eric Machan Howd, Coordinator of Online Learning Services, at Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, New York
“...it is essential that we understand the new challenges on-line learning poses for retention and integration.”
Community colleges are at the forefront of the shifting educational landscape by design, with a mission to respond and adapt to meet emerging needs within their community. We serve a student body diverse not just in age and ethnicity, but also in level of preparation for college and educational goals. This diversity in both students and demands poses a continual challenge for maintaining a high level of student retention.
As community colleges struggle to retain students, we are increasing the number and scope of distance and on-line programs in an effort to meet student needs for flexibility and convenience. At the same time, a central component of retention is integration, or connection with the larger academic community.
Much research has shown that the key to retention is engagement, contact with other individuals outside of class (Tinto, 2003). Students taking on-line classes presumably lack the face-to-face contact with faculty, other students and staff that help them forge a connection with their educational institution.
Although this project uses data from only one community college, Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) has been a leader statewide in the development and growth of on-line courses, and the experience here may provide useful information to both community colleges with large on-line curricula and those considering expanding their offerings. If community colleges plan to meet increased student demand for on-line classes, it is essential that we understand the new challenges on-line learning poses for retention and integration.
Download the complete report (pdf)
Other articles in the Fall 2007 edition of Gravitas:
Synopsis of new book "Growing Giving": A Guide to Securing Private Support for Your Community College by Brenda Babitz, President of the Monroe Community College Foundation, Rochester, New York
ICCD offers November 2007 conference on Growing Giving: Securing Private Support for Your Community College
From the Director: Securing Private Support While Building Partnerships
