Synchronous & Asynchronous Virtual Instruction Research

Our mission as educators must be laser-focused on equitable, long-term success for a wider spectrum of students, writes Lynn Perry Wooten.

However, for rural higher education students, the digital divide has not adequately been addressed. Scholars note that colleges and universities often fail to understand rural ways of life, a trend continuing during COVID-19. Higher education institutions rushed to ask students to leave campuses, closed their doors, and moved classes online, yet failed to contemplate consequences for rural students lacking access to online learning tools.

Most Americans are learning a new normal for some, or all, of the things they used to do in person, with issues related to the digital divide coming front and center.

" To respond to changing student needs and post-COVID-19 uncertainties, an equalized technology-mediated advising structure can increase advising accessibility, enhance student–advisor relationship building, and support student learning. "

"Therefore, CMA has formulated partnerships with both academic and industrial institutions to highlight some best practices to improve future virtual learning experiences of these oftentimes marginalized students."

"An investigation of collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) showcased CRPs as a vital student support service in traditional and online learning environments. Comparing standards for in-person versus online delivery showed equivalence in services consistent with the learner-centered approach to higher education."

News article with anecdotal evidence of positive outcomes from adjusting academic course schedule fall 2020.