Online pedagogy and the online student experience represent the day-to-day reality for the online student. Yet these aspects of the online value proposition have proven complex and difficult for schools to articulate and differentiate. Today, growing numbers of online institutions are attempting to articulate their approach by means of a sample online course or demo. Eduventures' analysis and commentary assesses demo courses across 20 online institutions and examines to what extent institutions are differentiating based on the information presented. In addition, this analysis profiles instructional tools offered by innovative vendors in the space, and identifies evidence of use by online institutions. Key findings emerging from the study include:
-Detail and differentiation are rare when it comes to presenting the online learning experience to prospective students via sample online courses/demos. Similar types of basic instructional media feature prominently in a majority of cases (e.g. text-based materials, asynchronous discussion)
- Advanced interactive features and Web 2.0 applications are less evident among sample institutions. Interactive virtual campuses, attractive user interfaces, and clear examples of synchronous/asynchronous content delivery are identified as points of differentiation
- Moving forward, messages of flexibility and convenience may be insufficient drivers for online learning. However, demonstrated outcomes from the adoption of new instructional tools may continue the push for online. Institutions are turning to new instructional tools such as mobile learning, iTunes University and social networking integration to continue the evolution of online delivery
Based on these key findings, this session will demonstrate how online institutions can enhance their efforts around the promotion of the online learning experience. Institutions that can identify, adopt, and demonstrate outcomes from the emerging educational technologies may be better-positioned for long term success.
