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Student Services Online

Describe the most important benefits and challenges associated with offering student
services in an online learning environment.
The internet is resonating with the community by extending social connections from only
face-to-face to online platforms. The expansive nature of the internet has led to a surge in online
learning. This has been beneficial in the provision of student services in various ways. First,
when student services are offered online, the online disinhibition effect occurs. Students are
more likely to say something online that they would otherwise not have said in face-to-face
interactions (Schuh et al., 2017). Students get the opportunity to test multiple facets of their
personality in online disinhibition as they believe that online platforms are safer places. When
students’ services are provided online, students are allowed to test their identity. These platforms
require less ego investment by the student. The individual gets an opportunity to explore aspects
of their personality and take creative risks, something that would not be possible offline. With
time, students then adapt an offline personality that is a stable sense of their online selves. The
stable personality is evident in their behavior and reactions towards others (Schuh et al., 2017).
Thus, when student affairs practitioners interact with students online, they give an opportunity to
grow in a unique way. They are able to explore aspects of their identities and personalities in a
different way compared to if they received all services through face-to-face interactions.
Students are enabled to develop their identities, and this is illustrated in their academic and
interpersonal success.
On the other hand, offering student services in an online environment has some challenges.
There may be a disconnect when student services professionals do not understand how students

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are using the technologies around them. They thus may not know which technologies are
beneficial and normative and how some may hurt students (Schuh et al., 2017). In such an
instance, the professionals may be unable to minimize the negative impacts of online platforms
and technology in general. Media has biases, and they can be overcome by identifying what
individuals intend to do. Also, there may be a disconnect when student affairs professionals
engage students only from the perspective of an adult. When they do not understand the methods
to use to engage students in an online environment, then student services may not be well
offered.
 Identify how to overcome those challenges.
The challenges can be overcome by ensuring that student services practitioners engage
with students at their level as opposed to an adult perspective. When they change their view on
the use of technology, they will understand students more, and this way, they will not miss out
on what the young people are doing online (Schuh et al., 2017). Another way to overcome the
challenges is ensuring that educators understand the use of technologies and thus will be in a
position to minimize their negative impacts while maximizing the benefits that technology has
on students.
 Explain how student services can help students acclimate to the online learning
environment.
New students need to know or be oriented on what to expect from the online learning
experience. As such, student services need to help students adapt to the online platforms and
guide them to navigate the platform. Proactive efforts must be made to connect students to
various academic and student support services (Crawley & Fetzner, 2013). first, students are

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connected to their instructors, administrators, and distance learning staff. There are then on
ground instructors whose role is to direct individual students to support services. Where
necessary, the instructors may explain to the students why they need such services. E-learning
portals have self-support services such as writing center tutorials, library tutorials, and other
relevant information that students may need.
Professional student support personnel may also come in handy to help students navigate
the portal or complete tasks that may be hard to them, especially when they are new within the
campus (Crawley & Fetzner, 2013). Through peer mentoring programs, student service
professionals may train peer mentors who, together with experienced online learners, are tasked
with developing relationships with first-time online learners and help them navigate through the
system. Through the use of such resource personnel, students will get acclimated to the online
learning environment.
 Identify the main ways to utilize student services here at Ashford University.
I can utilize student services by seeking services from the writing center. A student gets
assistance on different issues they may encounter when completing tasks assigned in the
classroom. Also, instructors engage learners through the discussion forum, and this is another
way through which to access his services.
 Critically analyze one student service you have used and one that you have not used
but might be helpful on your academic journey.
One of the services that I have used is the library. I am yet to use the writing center. I am
sure it is helpful in my academic journey as it can guide me in successfully completing assigned
tasks, especially if I have challenges in the proper formatting of the papers.

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References

Crawley, A., & Fetzner, M. (2013). Providing service innovations to students inside and outside
of the online classroom: Focusing on student success. Journal of Asynchronous Learning
Networks, 17(1), 7-12.
Schuh, J. H., Jones, S. R., & Torres, V. (Eds.) (2017). Student services: A handbook for the
profession (6th ed.). Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com