The State of E-Learning in Higher Ed Jacqueline Bichsel, ECAR

EVERYBODY’S Interested in E-Learning

Whether they are prepared to develop or expand it is another story.

Benefits of E-learning for Institutions

Benefits for Faculty & Students Flexibility

Improved & revitalized teaching

Enhanced learning experience

Improved time to degree

Number of Online Courses Offered, by Institutional Type

Primary reasons for not offering online courses

Which institutions are offering MOOCs?

Management of E-Learning Services

Staffing for E-Learning

What’s Needed for E-Learning

E-learning Services Insourced/ Outsourced

Distribution of E-Learning Services

Most Important Factors in the Selection of E-Learning Technologies and Solutions Reliability

Security of student data

Ease of use for faculty and students

Effectiveness

Contribution to learning objectives

Ease of integration

Cost

Specific features/functionality

Concerns about E-Learning Initiatives

Many View E-Learning as Disruptive May be what is needed to

overturn former business models and serve post-traditional learners

In higher ed fashion, this will likely be a gradual disruption

Financial Challenges Danger of e-learning being viewed as a cash cow

Pushing enrollment limits may hinder pedagogy

Blurring line between nonprofit and for-profit

Technology and fees

New business models

Who gets the money?

Cultural Challenges Faculty skepticism and reluctance to

participate are still viewed as barriers.

Some faculty still question the quality of online courses.

Some do not want to take the time to learn new technology.

Important to address faculty skepticism (and reasons for it) before embarking on or expanding e-learning initiatives.

Quantitative Challenges E-learning initiatives facilitate large data collection.

Enables analytics to inform teaching, learning, and strategic initiatives.

Can provide interventions and increase retention.

Qualitative Challenges New business models

Still emerging

Need to consider mission and market

May need to consider partnering/outsourcing for some e-learning services

No single model emerges as the best model

Accreditation Concerns Standards for quality and learning

outcomes do not vary with delivery method.

Accreditors do not scrutinize online courses with a different lens.

Onus is on the institution to provide evidence that these courses meet the same standards as F2F.

Maturity of E-learning

Synergy of E-Learning Systems

Priority Placed on E-Learning

Readiness

Ongoing Technology Evaluation and Training

Policies/Governance

Investment in Faculty/Staff

Outcomes Assessment

Links ECAR E-Learning Report, Maturity Index, Case Study,

Campus Profiles: http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/state-e-learning-higher-education-eye-toward-growth-and-increased-access

Analytics Report, Maturity Index, Videos: http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/2012-ecar-study-analytics-higher-education