This presentation examines online student success through the music metaphor of a strong bass line, emphasizing academic coaching's role in providing stability and support. By fostering personalized strategies and engagement, academic coaches create a supportive online environment, empowering students to thrive and achieve their academic goals.

In today’s educational realm, the shift towards online learning has transformed the way students engage with their studies. The topic of this session, "Building a Strong Bass Line: Foundations for Online Student Success," addresses the critical need for robust support systems that foster student achievement in the online environment. With increasing enrollment in online courses and programs, understanding the key components that contribute to student success is crucial. This session is particularly relevant to educators, administrators, and policymakers who are committed to enhancing the online learning experience. The relevance of this topic lies in the challenges faced by online students, including feelings of isolation, lack of engagement, and difficulties in time management. As educational institutions strive to provide equitable access to quality learning experiences, it becomes essential to develop strategies that not only support academic achievement but also promote student well-being. This session aims to illuminate the role of academic coaching in creating a strong foundation for online learners, paralleling the stability and depth provided by a bass line in music. The online learning community is diverse and multifaceted, encompassing traditional students, adult learners, and non-traditional populations. Each group faces unique challenges that can hinder their academic success. By focusing on the importance of a strong support system, this session addresses a pressing need within the community: the enhancement of student engagement and success rates in online programs. Furthermore, as educational institutions increasingly adopt hybrid and fully online models, understanding how to effectively support students in these environments will be critical for retention and student success rates. The insights gained from this session will empower attendees to consider academic coaching as a tool to contribute to a more successful online learning experience for students. To ensure a dynamic and engaging session, a multi-faceted interactivity plan will be employed, incorporating various methods to encourage participation and interaction among attendees. 1. Live Polling: At the beginning of the session, attendees will participate in live polls to assess their current understanding of online student challenges and the role of academic coaches. This will create a baseline for discussion and help tailor the presentation to the audience's interests. 2. Discussion Prompts: Discussion prompts will be used throughout the presentation to allow participants the opportunity to discuss their experiences and challenges related to online student support. We will identify key issues and potential solutions, fostering a collaborative learning environment. 3. Interactive Q&A: Throughout the session, attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and share insights. A dedicated Q&A segment will allow for deeper exploration of specific topics raised by participants. 4. Resource Sharing: Participants will be invited to share their own resources and strategies, creating a collaborative repository of tools that can be accessed after the session. By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational elements that contribute to online student success. Key takeaways include: 1. Understanding the Role of an Academic Coach: Attendees will learn how academic coaching serves as a vital support mechanism, offering personalized guidance that fosters student success, motivation, and accountability. 2. Engagement Techniques: Attendees will explore various methods to enhance student engagement in online learning environments, and how academic coaches can be additional layers of support not only for the online students but also for the faculty. 3. Building a Supportive Environment: The session will highlight the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive online environment that addresses the unique needs of diverse student populations. 4. Networking Opportunities: By engaging in discussions and activities, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers, share best practices, and build a network of support that extends beyond the session. In conclusion, this presentation seeks to address a vital aspect of online education by emphasizing the importance of support systems like academic coaching. Through interactive engagement and collaborative learning, this session will help educators and administrators understand how academic coaches can be utilized to create a more effective and supportive online learning environment. By fostering student success, we can enhance the overall educational experience and contribute to the long-term success of learners in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Jacquelyn Cato

Chief Strategy Officer at Instructional Connections

Dr. Jacquelyn Cato is the Chief Strategy Officer for Instructional Connections and oversees education, business, nursing, and general education course programs. In her CSO role, she is responsible for the management of the Operations Team and works to maintain exceptional relationships with existing and new University partnerships. Additionally, she is responsible for understanding and formulating strategies from an operational point of view, as well as ensuring that strategic initiatives support the overall strategy of the business. Jacquelyn has served in various roles within higher education for over 15 years. She holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, a graduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Saint Joseph, and a bachelor’s degree in Science from Florida State University. Jacquelyn’s strengths include excellent communication skills, effective training techniques, online course development, and various Learning Management Systems administration.