The Value of Student Research: APUS Initiatives in Support of Online Education

Online education offers students an affordable and flexible option but can be isolating. In order to provide a comparable experience to traditional schooling, online universities must give care to create both social and educational opportunities that will enhance the student experience and enrich classroom learning. As a fully online, asynchronous university, APUS is committed to providing quality education for its students. One of the most important enrichments provided by the APUS Space Studies department is its online student research groups. These provide students with the opportunity to develop relationships with peers and teachers; to gain experience analyzing astronomical datasets; and to contribute meaningfully to the Space Studies field. This paper summarizes best practices for involving students in faculty-led research endeavors in the online environment.