Environmental Scan
Feb 13th, 2012 by Michele Brannon-Hamilton
In order to create a community that students would use, I had to understand who my students were and what was happening in our community.
In his book “Rewired,” Dr. Larry D. Rosen explains how students from different generations use technology in different ways. Understanding this helps us create services for students who view and use technology differently. At a college, you might have students who range from tech savvy to those who are technologically challenged. The trick is to be prepared for everyone along the continuum.
Social Factors
Looking beyond the college, it helps to understand what’s happening in the various facets of society. Are older workers returning to school because of economic challenges? Are most of your students coming right from high school? Who would your online services benefit? The answer is probably all of these groups. Younger students may expect these services as an extension of their current online lives; students with families or jobs may need flexible services that allow them to access resources anytime or anywhere.
Educational Factors
Educational ministries realize that students need computer skills to succeed in many careers today. By creating online communities, you can teach students to interact with others in a professional manner. Online communities also foster problem solving and collaboration skills.
Knowing what is happening in the world around you will help you establish services that reach students effectively while taking into account the needs of your college and the society around you. If you can align your services with current needs, you’re more likely to create a sustainable virtual community.