Distance Learning, mLearning, Digital Education, Technology

The current crisis is likely to accelerate moves to online learning in higher education, but don’t expect a revolution any time soon. It is mor

As schools have rushed to transition coursework to virtual classrooms, the terms “online learning” and “remote learning” have been used interchangeably. Education experts say that needs to change.

Although remote learning may not work well for every student, there’s a lot higher education can do to improve the numbers

A college professor and a high school senior asked college-bound seniors who were finishing high school under quarantine in the spring of 2020 what th

There is no lack of evidence to suggest that online classes have deeply transformed the teaching and learning landscape in higher education. In 2015

In a public-private partnership that could signal the future of higher education, the University of Memphis has teamed up with FedEx Express on a new initiative that will give more than 11,000 FedEx employees the opportunity to earn a tuition-free degree from UofM Global, the university’s online learning program..

For online learning to be successful and happy, participants need to be supported through a structured developmental process. The five-stage-model provides a framework or scaffold for a structured and paced programme of e-tivities.

​The five-stage-model offers essential support and development to participants at each stage as they build up expertise in learning online.

"My classes and students started to run together, and I kept looking at the clock. That doesn’t happen to me anymore since I have added projects-based learning to the curriculum."

The heritage sector has a wealth of knowledge to share with the world. It plays a vital role in enabling people of all ages to learn about and understand the UK’s fascinating and complex history. Whether visiting sites and monuments, exploring stories and exhibitions, or participating in events and activities, your visitors already experience a wealth of education opportunities. 

Online learning resources and activities can help to bring heritage to a wider audience than ever before, in new and innovative ways. 

Online learning can include: 

free digital courses that anyone can join, sometimes called Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCS 

structured activities aimed at groups of learners such as schoolchildren 

community learning and engagement, which might involve collaborative practice or ‘crowdsourcing’ resources

self-paced online learning materials

virtual tours and exhibitions

blogging and social media activities, including digital storytelling and quizzes

Online learning provides opportunities to make heritage education accessible to people from all walks of life.

You don’t need specialist expertise and expensive applications to create effective learning experiences.

Whether enrolling in a single online class or a fully virtual program, students need to be prepared for the academic and social learning that compose their educational journey. While some may arrive with years of online learning experience, others will require familiarization with processes, tools, expectations, and the campus community—and all will benefit from an introduction to their new academic community. Orientation experiences support students' transition to the first year of college, which is essential for student success.1 This support is particularly important for those students from historically marginalized populations.2

Engaging students through a computer screen requires a unique approach to pedagogy and innovative course design.  The feeling of “getting it right” typically involves a good deal of testing and modification given the wide array of design formats and technology tools available, not to mention the varying needs of students, many of whom are underprepared for online learning (Bettinger & Loeb, 2017).

Common Student Challenges

In online courses, certain student challenges tend to come up time and again, which disrupts learning or impedes completing coursework on time.