Socializing distantly: “Virtualizing” student orientations
Abstract: Research has shown that a successful student orientation helps in student retention (Hahs, 1998; Mann, 1998), academic performance (Tacke, 2005), and relieves stress and anxiety (Hullinger & Hogan, 2014). In the era of post-COVID19, where many academic-related activities have moved online, an engaging online synchronous student orientation can jump start the learning journey. This case study describes the virtual student orientations for the Online Master’s of Education in Learning Design and Technology (LTEC) conducted in fall 2020 and fall 2021 at the University of Hawai’i – Manoa, College of Education. The case study seeks to answer the following questions: What are the design considerations for creating virtual student orientations? What technology affordances support online community building?