What are students paying for when they learn online?
Mick Grimley, Lisa Burdes
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Guidance on how to successfully deliver higher education teaching and learning online
Online education opens doors to learning opportunities that were previously out of reach to many. The scope and flexibility offered by edtech tools allow students to complete studies alongside work or childcare, to gain accreditations at foreign universities while remaining in their home countries, or to participate in classes attended by peers located all over the globe. Increased demand for online learning calls for the development of high-quality, value-for-money courses that cater to the diverse needs of remote learners. And in the crowded and fragmented online education space, robust marketing plans are essential. This collection of resources features guidance on how to promote online courses, how to address some key challenges of online education, ways to streamline transnational education and more.
In an increasingly crowded digital learning sector, how can institutions successfully communicate the value of and promote their online courses? From email marketing and paid advertising to strategies that boost an institution’s online presence and reputation, these resources offer insight into ways to attract prospective students.
Keeping students engaged online enhances learning and increases student retention. But how can educators ensure that remote sessions are dynamic? When approaching online course design, some turn to tools such as ChatGPT for assistance, while others look to students, involving them in co-creation. These resources offer an array of suggestions.
A surge in demand for online learning brings with it the need for educators with the skills to deliver high-quality teaching via digital platforms. It also raises concerns over cybersecurity. So how do we ensure that these and other challenges of delivering education remotely do not detract from the opportunities it offers?
Microcredentials and massive open online courses (Moocs) offer learners the flexibility to fit their studies around other commitments. Such forms of learning can be readily pursued at any age or career stage, creating useful lifelong learning opportunities. These resources explore how to build effective Moocs and bite-sized courses, with lessons from some of their early adopters.
Offering students opportunities to interact with and learn from peers in different geographical contexts helps prepare them for a globalised world post-study. However, global online learning requires careful planning and innovative approaches to ensure effective collaboration, as these resources show.
Transnational education (TNE) removes borders and widens access to higher education globally by enabling students to complete their studies at a foreign university from their home countries. With it comes challenges, such as ensuring a consistent, quality learning experience for students wherever they’re based and building and nurturing institutional partnerships. Find out how to deliver a quality TNE experience.