Online university introduces academic assistance software

Online university introduces academic assistance software

Students may be concerned that online universities provide less individual attention per student. However, web-based degree programs often take steps to ensure that each learner receives the support they need from faculty members or counselors.

For example, Colorado State University's (CSU) online Global Campus recently announced that they have implemented Starfish - a provider of student success systems - to track learners' progress.

The software system automatically checks the academic performance of students by measuring things such as missed assignments, attendance or lack of activity, and alerts the school if an issue is identified. Starfish Early Alert is a warning student-tracking system that allows instructors and academic staff to identify at-risk students in real time, while Starfish Connect is an education support networking system, which helps students access a contact list of advisors and counselors.

"In the short-term, we are focused on accelerating the time it takes to connect with a student and offer support when an issue has been identified either through direct faculty feedback or from the student's actual academic performance," said Angela Ellis, associate dean of student success for CSU–Global Campus.

Online schools often take extra measures to ensure the academic security of their students. Through this type of software, learners can access school-related or personal assistance when they need it.

Reuters reports that one in four college students takes at least one online course.

By Mark Danson