CMS as mindtools for enbancing student engagement in advising and assessment: Lessons learned from design of math advisor

What strategies for online, open-ended learning environments can we use to integrate technology into mathematics advising for adult learners and help them assess their current situation? This paper targets communicators, educators, information system developers, and training professionals who are interested in integrating technology into a special-purpose WebCT project. It introduces the topic by providing background on (a) satisfaction reports for online learning; (b) information on student engagement, meaningful learning, and technology; and (c) strategies for using technology in teaching and learning. Then, we describe the Math Advisor project for the five Mercer University Regional Academic Centers: (a) Atlanta; (b) Douglas; (c) Henry County; (d) Eastman; and (e) Macon (residential campus) and our goals for evaluating current skills in mathematics and aligning learning objectives and outcomes. Last, it describes a method for developing a custom, special-purpose course in WebCT and explores lessons learned from the project