Abstract
<P class=abstract>A critical component of an effective retention program for online students is a learner support services program. While many factors contribute to attrition, at the top of the list are level of interaction and support. To this end, some students in distance learning programs and courses report feelings of isolation, lack of self-direction and management, and eventual decrease in motivation levels. This article describes the types of learner support services strategies that can effectively address these retention challenges. Examples from Western Governors University (WGU) are provided to describe these strategies in action.</P>
 
 <P><B>Key terms:</B> learner support, online learning, scaffolding, self-directed learning, isolation, learning community, advising</P>
Highlights
IntroductionMuch of this increase is due to the demands of the learner audience who are intrigued by distance education, mostly because they face a number of obstacles that make conventional, brick-and-mortar educational options unviable:
Distance learning opportunities for students have skyrocketed in popularity
More universities are starting online programs. Much of this increase is due to the demands of the learner audience who are intrigued by distance education, mostly because they face a number of obstacles that make conventional, brick-and-mortar educational options unviable:
Summary
Much of this increase is due to the demands of the learner audience who are intrigued by distance education, mostly because they face a number of obstacles that make conventional, brick-and-mortar educational options unviable:. These obstacles make online learning opportunities attractive – the obstacles create a built-in audience for online education providers. The challenge for online education providers is Ludwig-Hardman & Dunlap ~ Learner Support Services for Online Students: Scaffolding for success not so much how to recruit students, but how to retain them once they have begun. Learner support services are a critical component of an effective retention program
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