Digital Study Halls: National University Taps Virtual Engagement Platform to Scale Student Support and Humanize Online Learning
SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- National University (NU)—a veteran-founded nonprofit university serving over 50,000 nontraditional, working, and military students annually through its degree programs and one of the largest nonprofit Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the country—today announced a new technology pilot designed to boost student success and engagement by recreating the impact of face-to-face discussion and collaboration in a completely online setting. In collaboration with education technology firm InSpace, the university will test a suite of immersive new video-conferencing capabilities designed to foster virtual engagement among its diverse students, who balance academic, work, family, and community responsibilities in addition to studying online.
- "This is a powerful example of how we can bridge the last mile between student needs and the possibilities of online education."
- This is a powerful example of how we can bridge the last mile between student needs and the possibilities of online education."
- However, research has consistently shown that students enrolled in online programs often struggle to connect with online learning communities, which can impact their engagement and lead to increased feelings of isolation.
- As a veteran-founded Minority Serving Institution, National University has a student population that reflects the shifting—and highly diverse—demographics of higher education today.