This report examines the ways in which student success can be best supported in open, distance and e-learning programmes, and student drop-out and failure diminished.

Key findings

• The report reveals a number of significant, world-wide issues that highlight the complexity of student success
• Establishing a framework of understanding for establishing goals for student success, based on key elements which drive student success
• Setting out good practice guidelines for ODEL programmes

Summary

This report is the product of a task force established in early 2014, who were asked to examine the ways in which student success can be best supported in open, distance and e-learning programmes.

The group conducted a survey amongst ICDE members, in order to

• Propose for agreement data points to support definitions of student success at an institutional level
• Identify current best practice in strategies for improving student success
• Make recommendations for improving rates of student success
• Create a dissemination strategy for outcomes

The survey results revealed a number of significant issues, particularly related to understanding the complexities of what makes up student success, and the report makes recommendations for how this can be improved.