Online learning is one of the most talked about and fastest growing sectors in higher education and corporate training today. The Sloan-C International Conference on Online Learning is the premier global gathering covering this field.

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18th Annual Sloan Consortium International Conference on Online Learning

'At A Crossroads: Online Education in a Complex World'

October 10-12, 2012

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

At a Crossroad: Online Education in a Complex World

A crossroad, an intersection, however we define it, there is no doubt that the future of online education will be shaped by important choices that confront us today. The higher education landscape is changing rapidly and we have much to consider.

Does the shifting nature of literacy in an always-on digital world demand new approaches to online teaching, learning, and assessment or do we already understand principles that have stood the test of time? How can we bridge practice with emerging research from the learning sciences and neuroscience that may prove crucial to the future of online education?

How do we frame discussions about reputational and ethical issues? These clearly require nuanced analysis and we know that serious research concludes learning online can be better than classroom learning. But problematic practices do exist; recent headlines and congressional investigations are not lightly dismissed. Do we meet these challenges head-on, or should we hope others will deal with them? In a related sense can we delay decisions around accountability metrics and looming regulatory oversight already impacting pre-college institutions, or should we take steps to deal with these now?

Issues of costs in higher education are of perpetual concern, does online learning provide a way forward or are we unrealistic with such thinking? These questions lead to deeper themes - what is the societal value of higher education in the 21st century and how do we garner the resources to support it? Ongoing issues around assessment, access, and quality all present questions that require thoughtful decision making. How will we confront these challenges?

The 2012 Sloan-C International Conference on Online Learning is the premier forum for approaching the complex questions that face all concerned with the future of our students, faculty, colleagues, and institutions. Join us for this year’s gathering and participate in the conversations that will provide crucial insights and help us make the decisions that will chart the future course of high quality online education. We look forward to your contributions!

Peter Shea, Conference Chair		Eric Fredericksen, Program Chair

Access the 2011 archived site

This conference is brought to you by The Sloan Consortium