Online learning has become the norm for most universities today. By developing a broader portfolio of offerings to include residential, online and hybrid programs, institutions can expand their reach, open access to new learners and increase enrollments among more diverse populations. It also enables extensions into micro-credentials and certificates that support job readiness and skills acquisition beyond the degree.
In fact, the 2021 Changing Landscape of Online Education report (CHLOE 6) indicated that 80% to 90% of chief online officers (COOs) saw online learning as a greater priority than it was in the past, and 57% reported that a focus on online learning had become a part of their institutions’ strategic plans.
“Student expectations of online learning have evolved,” said Ashish Patel, portfolio president and chief information officer of AccelerEd. “To future-proof, remain relevant and deliver quality learning experiences in this changing market, universities need to couple a strong digital strategy with the ability to make data-driven decisions.”
Fast-forward to 2022, CHLOE 7 indicated that COOs were still reporting that online learning would play a much bigger role in the typical student experience as soon as 2025. However, perhaps more importantly, they reported a strong emphasis on hybrid experiences, with enhanced experiential learning opportunities at the top of student priorities. Examples of these opportunities include off-campus learning, internships, and combinations of paid work and study.
“Online learning has to be a core institutional priority that supports the university’s mission in order for it to take hold,” said Wendy Colby, senior board advisor and former AccelerEd CEO. “Robust, relevant, quality services require steadfast leadership, vision, faculty buy-in, the right online leadership and patience. The question is not if these services should be provided but how they should be provided.”
So, with that in mind, we’ve prepared five steps to successfully expand online and hybrid learning platforms within the university portfolio to guide you in executing your vision.
Get the full playbook for more information on each step.
