Appendix 4: Sample Student Feedback

Linguistic Framework

Early Readiness – Students who score at the early readiness level may need support developing and using this skill as a student.

Developing Readiness – Students who score at the developing readiness level have some knowledge and experience using this skill but may need support developing and using it further.

Strong Readiness – Students who score at the strong readiness level have knowledge and experience using this skill and will not need as much support using it as an online student.

Response Structure

Early, Developing, or Readiness indicators for each module, as an opening summary
For each module, the Module Name, followed by:
- A brief summary of the skills and importance to student success that will go to all students.
- Construct Name
  - One sentence defining the construct measured in student-friendly language
  - Visual representation of construct score
  - Linguistic readiness level
- Next Steps – language differentiated by Early/Developing/Strong
- Recommended resources – 1-3 chosen by school

Completion Thank You

Thank you for completing the SOSSI! This inventory helps you identify the skills and strengths you bring to online learning and points you to support in areas where you are still building skills. All students have questions or face challenges at times and help is available. [Institution] is here to support you in building skills, working on problems, and staying on track. Reaching out for support early and as often as needed is a smart step towards success. Keep reading to learn how your results can guide your next steps and connect you with helpful resources.

Digital Resilience

Summary: Online classes use many types of technologies to support learning, such as the campus Learning Management System (LMS), e-textbooks, and tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Tech issues happen to almost everyone and can be frustrating. Having a backup plan and knowing a few troubleshooting steps can help you stay on track. Building tech-readiness habits and using available supports are key to becoming a confident online learner.

Constructs

Risk Awareness: I notice when emails, links, or websites are unsafe to avoid online scams.
Strategic Problem-Solving: When I run into a tech issue, I look for solutions online, use trial and error, switch to a back-up plan if needed, and continue problem solving so I can quickly get back to coursework.
Adaptive Flexibility: When I have tech problems, I work on fixing them while also finding ways to keep up with my coursework.
Proactive / Self Sufficient: I keep track of tech problems and try out new technologies, so they don’t slow down my course work later.
Persistence and Self-Regulation with Tech: I work on solving tech problems and take breaks as needed, so those technologies can help me succeed in courses.

Next Steps

Early Readiness – Take the next step by connecting with these tech support resources.

Developing Readiness – Get support early by exploring these tech resources.

Strong Readiness – When tech challenges arise, see these resources:

Sample Resources

Read SUNY’s 10 Ways to Protect Your Identity Online
Bookmark the [Institution tech help page]
Contact the [Institution tech department]
Contact the SUNY Online Support Services Help Desk
Reach out to your [Institutional Student support person – success navigator, academic coach, advisor] by [email, early alert system, phone]
Attend our online Digital Skills Workshop [Date, time, location]
Register for our Digital Skills Course [course specific information]
Review our tech tutorial videos found [location]
Review the [technology module] in the online student orientation course [if available to student at the time they complete the SOSSI]
Attend the orientation for online students [dates/times/location]
Find helpful tutorials on [campus page, YouTube, Microsoft, LinkedIn Learning]
Communicate with your course instructor (or other department/program contact person) for course specific technology issues.

Technical Access & Reliability

Summary: Reliable technology and internet access make online learning less stressful. Backup options for internet and computer access keep the focus on coursework when troubles arise. A computer that can join online meetings, install course apps, and run required programs lets you get the most out of courses.

Constructs

Technology Set up – [will vary from the constructs]

Primary Device:
Device Control: I can add or install apps or programs on this device.
Device Access: I have reliable access to a device that lets me complete my coursework and participate fully in online meetings.
Internet: I have reliable internet with enough speed for streaming class material and a backup option to stay connected to my classes.

Next Steps

Early Readiness – Take the next steps by connecting to these tech support resources.

Developing Readiness – Get support early by exploring these tech resources.

Strong Readiness – When tech challenges arise, see these resources:

Sample Resources

Bookmark the [Institution tech help page]
Contact the [Institution tech department]
Contact the SUNY Online Support Services Help Desk
Reach out to your [Institutional Student support person – success navigator, academic coach, advisor] by [email, early alert system, phone] for technology assistance.
Attend the orientation for online students [dates/times/location]
Communicate with your course instructor (or other department/program contact person) for course specific technology requirements.
Review the departmental page that details tech requirements for programs.
Financial Aid (for option to purchase necessary tech)
Campus bookstore to purchase needed technology
Contact the campus [Laptop lending program]
Locate community resources such as your public library

Help Seeking Behavior

Summary: Reaching out for help early and often is key to student success. Our faculty and staff have years of experience assisting students in starting their semester strong. We encourage you to review the support services available to you as a student and ask whenever you have questions as you begin your education at [institution].

Constructs

Independent / Peer Help Seeking: When tasks are unclear or frustrating, I try to find a solution so I can keep working towards my goals.
Escalation / Timing: I know when it’s time to quit trying to solve a problem by myself and reach out for help so that I can stay on track.
Overcoming Barriers: I am okay asking for help because having questions is a normal part of learning.
Communication Channels: I know ways to contact the people who support my learning, and I’m comfortable asking for help because it helps me succeed as a student.

Next Steps

Early Readiness – Start strong by completing the following and getting connected to support and resources at [institution].

Developing Readiness – Don’t hesitate to use the following resources for help starting the semester strong.

Strong Readiness – If you face challenges while a student, we recommend starting with the following resources.

Sample Resources

Your [success navigator, advisor, coach] is your go-to person for any questions you have about starting the term.
Your [success navigator, advisor, coach] will reach out to make sure you know about resources and supports at [institution].
Attend/complete [Institution’s] orientation for online students in [the LMS].
Bookmark the [institution support page] that directs you to resources students need and use regularly.
Add our [student success workshop series] to your calendar.
A staff or faculty member at [institution] will reach out to you soon by phone.
Contact the [IT Help desk at institution] for questions about tech issues
The Financial Aid / Billing offices at [institution] can help with questions related to your financial aid application or billing.
Email your instructor with questions about the course schedule, policies, and materials.
Check out the SUNY webpage Supporting Online Learner Success
Sign up for our peer mentor program

Self-Regulation

Summary: Student success is about more than course content. Skills like organization, managing your time, staying focused, learning from feedback, and handling challenges all matter. These skills grow with practice, and we are here to help you strengthen these skills as an online student.

Constructs

Planning & Organization: I plan ahead by tracking deadlines and organizing my time around due dates so I feel prepared for upcoming work.
Follow-Through / Task Completion: Even when work is hard or frustrating, I stick to my plan so I can meet deadlines.
Monitoring: I monitor my learning by staying focused, managing my time, and reviewing my grades and instructor feedback so I can see how I’m doing and improve.
Adjustment / Flexibility Construct: I adjust my learning strategies when I see they aren’t working so I can improve as a student.

Next Steps

Early Readiness – Get the most from your online classes by using these resources for organization and learning strategies.

Developing Readiness – Get the most from your online classes by using these resources for organization and learning strategies.

Strong Readiness – For tips on how to get the most from online learning, see these resources:

Sample Resources

Set up an appointment with your [campus Learning/Success Center] for the first week of class to create a semester study schedule
Attend our [workshop series on success in an online course]
Bookmark our [Student Support Page]
Meet with your [success coach, advisor]
Sign up for our [peer mentor program]
Complete the Orientation modules in [LMS] once registered
Attend our Zoom Orientation for Online Students
Review our Online Learning webpage for student success tips
Use one of these 14 Time Management Apps for Students

Online Learning Expectations

Summary: Student expectations of online learning shape their experience. Understanding that online learning offers flexibility but still requires time, commitment, and a place set up for study helps students prepare and feel confident from the start. Use the skills you bring to online learning to help you be successful but know that new skills are within your reach.

Constructs

Prior Online Learning Experience: I have experience with online learning, so I know what to expect in my online classes.
Self-Efficacy and Growth: I bring skills that support my online learning and feel confident I can build new skills to do my best as a student.
Engagement and Workload Expectations: I know online classes take a large time commitment that includes setting aside enough time to complete coursework, regular engagement in classes, and communication with instructors.
Learning Environment Readiness: I have a set workspace for classes that will help me stay ready and focused.

Next Steps

Early Readiness – Use these resources to prepare for the online learning experience.

Developing Readiness – Use these resources to prepare for the online learning experience.

Strong Readiness – Use these resources to learn more about success in an online environment:

Sample Resources

SUNY: Things you can do to be a successful online learner
Meet with your [success navigator, academic coach, advisor]
Complete the Orientation modules in [LMS] once registered
Attend our [student success workshops]
Sign up for our [peer mentor program]
Bookmark our campus supports website
Review our Online Learning webpage for student success tips
Plan out your learning space
Use one of these 14 Time Management Apps for Students
Complete the Orientation modules in [LMS] once registered
Attend our Zoom Orientation for Online Students