The Butterfly Effect:
On Student Retention & Success
My boss, and friend, Dr. Melanie Clay, delivered a welcome address at our very own Distance Learning Administration conference where she conveyed the importance of how even the smallest act of student support can pay off in immeasurable ways:
“Think of the Butterfly Effect (from Physics) that contends that the flap of a butterfly's wings in the Amazon can set off a series of events which eventually results in a tornado in China. When applied to our work with students, this means that every little act of encouragement (even when we are frustrated or having a bad day), every smile, and every extra moment spent trying to help our online students can also set off a series of events. These events begin with the increased probability of that student's success in an online course, but we can imagine that the ripple effect may include things such as a patient's life being saved when that student later becomes a nurse, or a relationship saved when that student is much less frustrated that day, week, or course period. We must welcome and be grateful for the opportunity to be in a position to support students, and applaud those whose work shows passion, creativity, and a constant willingness to help. Every single tiny act that you take really matters!”
I commend Melanie for her beautiful words because they really hit home with me. It’s so important to strive to make a difference in other people’s lives, whether it’s to offer a warm smile to a person coming in out of the rain, a helping hand to a friend in need, or a nice word or two to lift someone’s spirits. These small acts of kindness are contagious and can only positively effect everyone around us.
Each of us at the Distance & Distrubuted Education Center now have butterflies by our desks to remind us of the importance of our actions.
