SE Valley Times

Rio Salado College is set to introduce several new features to its online learning platform, RioLearn, starting January 2025. These updates aim to enhance the student experience by improving organization and accessibility.

The first addition is an "Action Items" pane on the left side of the RioLearn homepage. This feature will display current, upcoming, and past-due assignments and exam deadlines, allowing students to easily track their tasks. At the top of this pane, students can select the "Important Dates" tab for a monthly overview or the "Past Due" tab for outstanding assignments.

Another feature being introduced is "My Calendar," which provides a color-coded view of course assignments for better visibility and organization. Action items appear on the right-hand side of the calendar with important dates listed below. Students can click on events to see details such as assignment names, due dates, and course IDs. Additionally, students have the option to add customized events or reminders to their calendars.

The student portal's tiles have also been reorganized for improved flow and readability.

These enhancements were developed based on feedback from student focus groups and user testing. Julie Cober, Faculty Chair for Communication at Rio Salado and co-chair of the college’s Student Digital Experience Committee, emphasized the importance of incorporating student feedback: “Gathering and using student feedback is crucial for improving learning management systems because it helps educators understand student needs, enhance course design, and adjust teaching methods,” she said. “By actively seeking feedback, we can identify areas for improvement, leading to higher student engagement and success rates. Implementing this feedback fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately benefiting both current and future students.”