1. Reached over 1,250,000 students with our readiness assessment - SmarterMeasure (formerly known as READI)
2. Changed company name from DECADE Consulting to eLearning Tool Box.
3. Have operated for ten years as a zero-debt company!
4. Went through a complete rebranding from eLearning Tool Box to SmarterServices that included new logos, colors, literature, websites, displays, and product names.
5. Grew client base consistently every year for the past decade.
6. Created 3 fully functional profitable solutions.
7. Secured 10 state wide contracts.
8. Successfully became the industry leader in assessing student readiness.
9. Secured contracts with the 5 largest for-profit schools.
10. Experienced no turn over - only adding to current staff but no one left the company. 

10 Milestones in 10 Years - Happy Birthday SmarterServices

As reported this week in The Washington Post the Encyclopedia Britannica has stopped the presses and will cease production of its print based books.   After 244 years of production of one of the world’s most respected information resources, the publisher must now change its way of doing business.  When I first heard this news it evoked some sentimental sadness.  I remember the great joy each time that my family would get a new set of encyclopedias or the annual edition of the Year Book.  OK, so I was one of those geeks who enjoyed learning.  Well, I still enjoy learning, but it is rarely in the form of a book that I hold in my hand.  After going down memory lane for a couple of minutes I was then jolted back to reality by the realization that as a business owner, I must realize that no business – however well-established or well-respected, can continue doing business the same way forever.  Visions of Woolworths, Oldsmobile, and Polaroid flashed through my mind. 

So what are we at SmarterServices doing to remain relevant?  We are listening.  Listening to you.  We are listening to the expressed needs of our clients and then envisioning services that can be done in a smarter way.  The evolution of all of our services has been prompted by the suggestions of our clients.
•    Just over ten years ago we listened as there was a need expressed by the US Army for an online learning readiness assessment.  Now over 1.25 million students have benefitted from the SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator.
•    Then as distance learning exploded we listened to schools as they needed an efficient way to find online faculty.  Now over 12,000 online faculty have created searchable profiles in SmarterFaculty.
•    Next we listened as schools needed a smarter way to collect student perception data.  Now over a half million course evaluations have been submitted through SmarterSurveys.
•    Most recently we listened as schools requested a way to ensure online student authenticity and learner integrity.  We will soon be releasing SmarterProctors. 

What will we be doing next?  We are not sure, but we are listening to you to find out.  Let us know how we can help you be smarter as you educate learners.

Reflections from Company President - Dr. Mac Adkins

What system or tool does your school use for end of course evaluations? Many schools have used paper and pencil surveys for years, although current trends show that many schools are now switching to online evaluations.  While some schools began experimenting with online evals in the early 1990's, it has taken off in recent years.  Going online allows schools to have mobility in delivery, provide real-time results, boast great flexibility, and most importantly provide data in a useable format.  SmarterSurveys is just one of the many tools available online that allows schools to automate the data collection process.

Unfortunately one drawback to switching to an online solution is schools tend to suffer lower response rates. Initially this may be as much as 30% at some institutions.  Many skeptics are quick to use this as proof that the old fashioned way is the only way to get good data.   However, research does indicate that while response rates may be initially lower, the actual student feedback correlates almost exactly with no statistically significant differences.  

Schools that have a strong implementation plan in place and spend time and resources to educate their students about the evaluations tend to see a gradual increase in the response rates over time.  Using campus wide marketing campaigns including notifications in common areas, student government meetings, and faculty testimonies, schools can be proactive to increase participation.  Reminder emails are also recommended while the survey is open and seem to be most effective when coming from individual faculty members when possible as well as from school officials.

Another opportunity for schools to increase response rates is to implement mid-term course evaluations.  In theory students perceive their opinions are valued more highly and faculty may be more willing to make adjustments midterm based on their recommendations or suggestions for improvement.  Many schools are trying this with controlled groups to determine the impact.  In particular with motivated faculty who are willing to promote the survey.

Another indicator of response rates is incentivizing participants.  Incentivizing students through ipad or prize drawings has not shown to yield high returns in responses; however, allowing faculty members to offer bonus points or tie completion of the survey to the final grade has fared much better. 

As you research the best choice for your school, please consider SmarterSurveys. We provide an exceptional tool, outstanding service, and include consulting services.  We provide insight about how to establish the best plan for adoption at your institution based on your needs and challenges.  To learn more click here.

End of Course Evaluation Poor Response Rates

Members of our team have just arrived back on land from a string of conferences, exhibiting, presenting, shaking hands with clients, and meeting new friends.  Beginning on the west coast in Long Beach, California, Tara Boozer attended the eLearning 2012 conference put on by the Instructional Technology Council.  While there, Tara delivered our newest presentation about the extensive research conducted by schools using SmarterMeasure.  Then Julie Owen hit the southwest stopping at the 12th Annual Texas A&M Assessment Conference in College Station, TX. Presenting on SmarterSurveys and the power of SETE, Julie and Dr. Mike Simmons educated the group on the premier solution in end of course evaluations.  Passing in mid air flights, Jeff and Mac waved to Julie on their way to Corpus Christi, TX for the TAIR Conference. It was a pleasure meeting current clients and experiencing the beautiful scenery of Corpus.  Not to leave the east coast out, Angela Cantrell headed to the ABHE conference in Orlando, FL and enjoyed the warmer climate while meeting potential clients interested in student readiness.  Finally Alan Manley headed north to Philadelphia to the Innovations Conference put on by League for Innovation in the Community College.  Presenting on the readiness of students for online learning, Alan focused on recent research that has connected SmarterMeasure scores to retention and improving failure rates. 

Enjoying a short reprieve, we'll be hitting the road again in a few weeks.  We look forward to meeting you. To see our full conference schedule click here.  Make plans to stop by our booth and attend our presentations.  See you there!

Busy Conference Season

Thinking Smarter - November/December