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Designing an Online Learning Management System for a Growing Student Population: the Urban, Commuter Student

Abstract

What can we do as university administrators and educators to ensure our commuter students are provided with the same opportunities as traditional students in regards to course instruction and collaboration efforts? How do we enhance a commuter student’s academic experience and provide a sense of community to them? What elements need to be present in an online learning management system to benefit commuter students in an urban setting?

This study will examine an online learning management system in relationship to an urban, commuter undergraduate college student in the School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). The student population in the United States that is commuting to urban campuses has rapidly increased at many colleges and universities in recent years, and this study will focus on how to design and facilitate an online learning management system that would best aid this particular student population in their academic pursuits. Specific tools were identified and evaluated by stakeholders, and researchers were able to distinguish vital elements that urban, commuter students were especially receptive to and required in an online learning environment.

Key results included recommendations to guide administrators and faculty in developing an online learning environment that will enhance and promote urban, commuter student success. How best to facilitate a learning environment to support commuter students will be discussed. Finally, the minimum tools necessary to create a stimulating and valuable learning environment for commuter students in an urban setting are outlined.

Introduction

Traditional four year undergraduate students have long had a “sense of community” within their campus, school and department. They have enjoyed an information network within the walls of their institutions enabling them not only to be informed but also to be involved in their academic settings. Through the last ten years a slow transformation has begun at more urban academic locations in which the commuter student has emerged in greater numbers than ever and now comprises over 85% of the student population (Horn & Nevill, 2006)4. Why? Some may cite the reasons of cost and convenience with more working adults and those labeled as “non-traditional” students attending college for either the first time or returning once again. Some may also comment that it is an easy way for many institutions to expand their programs with very little facility or structural cost while meeting those students needs. Whatever the reason, the urban, commuter student’s academic experience needs to mirror that of their on campus, traditional colleague for greater engagement.

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Little-Wiles, J., & Hundley, S., & Bauer, E. (2010, June), Designing An Online Learning Management System For A Growing Student Population: The Urban, Commuter Student Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16126