We make no bones about the fact that we want to be the best online college in America. To that end, we strive to make sure every student is achieving. How? Through student support services that make a real difference. One of those services is regular check-in opportunities.
Our students have access to weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly check-ins. Every check-in increases the chances that a student will ultimately succeed. So we encourage them at every opportunity.
What Check-Ins Are All About
You might not be familiar with the check-in if you are new to the whole online training thing. In a nutshell, the check-in is a regularly scheduled opportunity for a student to connect with an instructor or career counselor for the purposes of communicating about whatever might be important.
Discussions can cover everything from course progress and challenges to the overall online learning experience. In addition to encouraging student-instructor conversations, a check-in serves as a structured feedback mechanism designed to ensure that students always get the support they need. An added benefit is helping students remain engaged and motivated.
What to Expect From Regular Check-Ins
Are you already a ProTrain student? If so, congratulations on your decision to pursue online certification training that will help you meet career goals. We hope you are taking advantage of weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly check-ins. Here is what you can expect from them:
1. Regular and Constructive Feedback
Feedback is an important component of the check-in. Here’s the deal: it runs both ways. A check-in gives you the opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback on your learning experience. Your instructor or career counselor also has the opportunity to offer feedback on your progress.
Never be afraid of feedback. If the weekly check-in were a construction project, feedback would be one of the most important building materials at your disposal.
2. Progress Monitoring
The check-in is a very effective tool for monitoring a student’s progress. Be prepared to talk about things like time management, academic performance, and overcoming obstacles. Remember that the ultimate goal is to ensure you succeed as a student and a professional.
3. Social and Emotional Support
Regular check-ins are not just about academic performance. They are also about how you are doing socially and emotionally. It is normal for a check-in to include social-emotional learning (SEL) components designed to give you the opportunity to express how you’re feeling. It’s an opportunity for your instructor or career counselor to offer you support and encouragement.
4. Different Check-In Formats
Also, be prepared for the fact that check-ins can take on many different formats. One check-in might be built mainly on a one-on-one conversation. Another might involve a survey or a short video. Check-ins can be conducted via chat, videoconferencing, and even email. Just keep an open mind and go with the flow.
5. Progress Through Consistency
Finally, if you hope to maximize the benefits check-ins offer, be prepared for some consistency. Regularly scheduled check-ins keep things on track. On the other hand, taking a hit-or-miss approach makes it more difficult for you and your instructor or career counselor to find that groove. Needless to say, consistency helps a lot.
ProTrain students are not required to participate in regular check-ins. But they are available to any and all who want them. For more information about our online learning environment, you can send a message to info@protrain.edu or call +1-800-371-2963. If you are ready to enroll, contact us at enroll@protrain.edu and include information about the specific courses you are interested in.
