In efforts to reach those distant from Taylor digitally, TU has updated its online forum, bringing consistency and updated designs to the online courses.
The update is part of its strategic plan to widen their circle of learners, Carrie Meyer, director of online learning, said. Shifting to do things more digitally is going to be a key component of their plan.
Taylor’s refreshed website design was crafted by Meyer and her team alongside the marketing team. The online learning department also collaborated with student workers, Bryce Medina and Libby Thomas.
Thomas, a senior business major, works in social media and marketing, while Medina assists in project management and project coordination.
Medina, a junior mechanical engineering major, has been working in the department for over two years and has taken a number of online courses himself.
“I have had great experiences with the online professors,” Medina said. “They have all been very good at responding and aiding in my learning.”
Recognizing the stronger and weaker aspects of the previous site figured into the update.
“I think there were some strong things about the way the online program and its forum had been run before the update,” Medina said. “And we did our best to carry these strengths into the update while addressing the things that needed improvement.”
Taylor currently has 473 students enrolled remotely.
The updated forum and courses promote success within Taylor’s digital learning. Taylor teaches a variety of students through online learning, from high school students to adults. Aside from students attending Taylor, dual enrollment and dual credit high school students create the most traction for TU.
“Taylor is somewhere people look for extended-learning opportunities,” Meyer said.
The university is currently in partnership with multiple high schools and continues to partner with more. These partnerships assist high schools by providing courses students need to earn Indiana’s updated high school diploma.
TU recently received a $75,000 grant through the 1846 Giving Circle. This grant will go toward improving the faculty and student experience, Meyer said.
Student opinions matter to Taylor, Meyer emphasizes that if there are any ideas about how to improve the online courses, Taylor wants to know.
She said Taylor’s goal is to, “make sure that we are able to provide students with the experiences that they want.”
The university is collaborating with Michael Hoover, student body president, to hear student perspectives on Taylor’s online learning opportunities.
TU’s online community is growing, which means they need more course seats.
“In order for us to have enough seats for students, online is at least a part of that conversation,” Meyer said. “ … It gives students a choice.”
Medina said the university is currently working to revamp the MyTaylor page for the online program to make accessing resources and information easier for students and staff.
Taylor continues to expand their digital presence to provide more course seats for prospective students and provide a simplified online learning experience.
