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Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)—in part, because of their free, flexible, and relatively anonymous nature—may provide a means for helping overcome the large gender gap in Computer Science (CS). This study examines why women and men chose to enroll in a CS MOOC and how this is related to successful behavior in the course by (a) using k-means clustering to explore the reasons why women and men enrolled in this MOOC and then (b) analyzing if these reasons are related to forum participation and, ultimately, persistence in the course. Findings suggest that women and men have different reasons for taking this CS MOOC, and they persist at different rates, an outcome that is moderated by forum participation.

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Theories of student attrition based on Tinto’s Student Integration Model are limited in their ability to provide a comprehensive framework to design a computer-adaptive online exit survey. An alternative framework encompassing the overall impressions and experiences of the dropout students during their stay at the institution is used to design the exit survey. This chapter outlines the conceptual and methodological issues surrounding computer-adaptive online exit surveys, and discusses the design, development, and administration of the survey questionnaire.

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Through case study, this chapter lends insight to ways online assessment can facilitate a holistic approach to the evaluation of distance education programs. In 2001, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign transitioned from program evaluation methods that relied heavily on data gathering by postal mail to online instruments. While the transition was spurred by the need to evaluate the campus’ first online degree program, online assessment methods are now used to review all off-campus degree programs. Results of this new assessment strategy have proven beneficial for continuous quality improvement across all modes of delivery.

Web 2.0 technologies are designed to be open, flexible, and collaborative offering many tools to support traditional or non-traditional tele-mentoring activities. The benefit of effortless sharing and connectivity comes with challenges in how we view such things as ownership, privacy, and duplicity. The Web 2.0 toolkit includes applications for web-based note-taking, shared documents, feedback, reflection, informal discussion, and presentation. The collaborative opportunities provided by mashable, social networking platforms allow users to flex time, geography, and projects. Professional educators continue to inform their practice and explore new ways to meet the needs of students. Web 2.0 technologies can support educational professionals by opening doors and classrooms world-wide. The chapter makes a comparison between online and mentoring instructional practice and highlights models for educational use of and aids in identification of tools for mentors and mentees.