The Online Teacher

2021 ◽  
pp. 288-300
Author(s):  
Jamie Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Democratic Society ◽  
Daunting Task ◽  
Online Teacher ◽  
Learning Institutions

Education (especially higher education) which helps maintain freedom in a democratic society is becoming increasingly difficult for many people. The explosion of online universities seems to make getting a degree much easier. Unfortunately, the increased numbers of ways to achieve an education do not ameliorate the trepidations—and resignation from getting that education—that occurs for many people once they begin the online education: it seems a daunting task to complete. As this study shows through historical reminders that help inform current situations, making sure people attend—and graduate—from the valid online learning institutions has become more feasible. We are reminded of the reason we became educators, to help advance education, and this reason further undergirds to prompt educators that ours is the line that we must “hold”—of being second-responders—in order to prepare our students to become part of the educated citizenry to which Plato referred.

scholarly journals Quality Assessment of Online Learning in Regional Higher Education Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 929-943
Author(s):  
Olga A. Gritsova ◽  
Elena V. Tissen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Education Systems ◽  
Higher Education Systems

The quality of online learning mechanisms, widely implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a significant issue for regional higher education systems. The research aims to assess student satisfaction with the quality of online education by identifying discrepancies between their requirements and the actual learning process. In order to examine the gaps between students’ expectations and perceptions, a new approach was proposed based on the integrated use of Gap analysis and SERVQUAL methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative aspects. SERVQUAL questionnaires for measuring student satisfaction with online learning include the following criteria: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy. Full- and part-time undergraduates of humanitarian and socio-economic departments of two universities participated in the study. Ural Federal University bachelors, learning via Moodle and Microsoft Teams platforms, could directly communicate with their peers and professors, while students of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI were engaged in massive open online courses (MOOC). As a result, all five criteria were analysed in the proposed model for quality assessment of online learning to reveal the gaps between students’ expectations and perceptions of the educational process. Significant discrepancies in the «empathy» and «responsiveness» criteria in both groups demonstrate low student satisfaction with the quality of communication and individualisation of learning. The research findings can be used to construct resource allocation models for implementing educational programmes and developing support measures for regional higher education institutions.

Taking a Hard Look at the Soft Skills of Online Course Design and Online Teaching in Higher Education

2017 ◽  
pp. 158-181
Author(s):  
Kevin P. Gosselin ◽  
Maria Northcote ◽  
Kristi D. Wuensche ◽  
Trudy Stoddard
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Online Educators

Over the past few decades, substantial growth has occurred in online education in general, and this has been particularly true of the higher education sector. Most universities and post-secondary institutions now offer students the opportunity to enroll in online pre-tertiary, vocational, undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses. While some of these courses are successful for the learners who enroll in them, others have been found somewhat deficient, often criticized for their lack of humanization, interaction, communication and online presence. This chapter examines the role of the so-called soft skills of online course design and online teaching that are seen as vital for online educators who are responsible for the facilitation of high quality online learning. Along with a review of relevant literature about the soft skills of online teaching, the chapter presents three institutional case studies from which a set of practically-focused recommendations for promoting the design of humanized online learning environments has been developed.

PROBLEMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL DIGITALIZATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTANCE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGIES

2021 ◽  
pp. 37-41
Author(s):  
V. E. Melnikov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Educational Organization

The article considers the system of digitalization of higher education, where the problems associated with the introduction of digital technologies and tools into the educational process with the transition to online learning are identified. It is shown that digitalization makes significant changes in modern higher education. The transition to online education creates a need to change the management of an educational organization.

scholarly journals WHY DO HIGHER-EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS PURSUE ONLINE EDUCATION?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Schiffman ◽  
Karen Vignare ◽  
Christine Geith
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Large Enrollment ◽  
Access And Quality ◽  
Unique Item ◽  
Type Of Institution ◽  
First Time

Using a unique item included for the first time in the Sloan Consortium’s 2006 national survey of online learning, the authors analyze the reasons why higher-education institutions engage in online learning. Nine reasons are explored from contributing to extension efforts to returning a surplus. Eight of the nine reasons are found to vary in importance depending on the type of institution. Significant differences were found for associate-level institutions, for-profit institutions and large-enrollment institutions. The authors examine the findings for access and quality themes.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Possible Futures of Adult Online Learning in Higher Education : Six Trends That Could Shape the Future

2021 ◽  
pp. 72-85
Author(s):  
Nicolas Gagnon
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Adult Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
The Future ◽  
Adult Online Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

The COVID-19 pandemic has had and will have, profound effects on adult education (Boeren, Roumell & Roessger, 2020; Kapplinger & Lichte, 2020) and online learning practices. The impact was unprecedented and led to the largest and quickest transformation of pedagogic practice ever seen in contemporary universities (Brammer & Clark, 2020). Although it is too soon for a full assessment, the first step is to gain insight into an understanding of the macro trends taking shape inside and outside the walls of institutions and then explore how these trends may affect the future. Against this background, a question arises: How is the COVID-19 pandemic shaping the future of adult online learning in higher education? Drawing on adult education and higher education scholarly and practitioner literature published over the last year, the purpose of this paper is threefold: (i) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify and analyze emerging trends that could shape the future of adult online education in higher education, (ii) to analyze these trends over a longer time span in the literature, and (iii) to explore the possible futures of adult education and online learning in higher education.

scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities for Russian Higher Education amid COVID-19: Teachers’ Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 368
Author(s):  
Nadezhda Almazova ◽  
Elena Krylova ◽  
Anna Rubtsova ◽  
Maria Odinokaya
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Russian Higher Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected higher education systems in Russia and all over the world, forcing to transform curriculum into an online format, which is a challenge for all the educational process participants. The current study discusses the implementation of online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the Russian higher education context and investigates the challenges experienced by university teachers during this period to define their readiness for online education. To address the above-mentioned issues, a study was conducted in Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. A variety of methods of scientific and pedagogical research were used including systematic structural analysis, synthesis, work with research papers, the generalization of experience and experimental work, observation, surveys, etc., with 87 university teachers asked to respond to several sets of questions describing their online teaching experience after the launch of online education amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the participants’ answers helped to identify the following main challenges experienced by university teachers: computer literacy level, the university electronic environment and support, academic staff readiness and students’ readiness for online learning, the last two being the most important hindering the implementation of the efficient online education process. It was also underlined by most respondents that methodological work of a teacher in a digital educational environment differs from conventional teaching methods. Thus, psychological, technological, methodological support and teachers’ professional development programs are of vital importance to minimize the negative impact of the rapid changes of the educational process and to ensure efficient online education.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study of Online Equity: Differential Levels of Technological Access and Technological Efficacy Among Underserved and Underrepresented Student Populations in Higher Education

10.28945/4664 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 093-121
Author(s):  
Madhumita Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Educational Equity ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Access To Technology ◽  
K 12 ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to explore levels of Technological Access (ownership, access to, and usage of computer devices as well as access to Internet services) and levels of Technological Efficacy (technology related skills) as they pertain to underserved (UNS) and underrepresented (UNR) students. Background: There exists a positive correlation between technology related access, technology related competence, and academic outcomes. An increasing emphasis on expanding online education at the author’s institution, consistent with nationwide trends, means that it is unlikely that just an increase in online offerings alone will result in an improvement in the educational attainment of students, especially if such students lack access to technology and the technology related skills needed to take advantage of online learning. Most studies on levels of Technological Access and Technological Efficacy have dealt with either K-12 or minority populations with limited research on UNS and UNR populations who form the majority of students at the author’s institution. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional survey research design to investigate the research questions. A web survey was sent to all students at the university except first semester new and first semester transfer students from various disciplines (n = 535). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the survey data. Contribution: This research provides insight on a population (UNS and UNR) that is expanding in higher education. However, there is limited information related to levels of Technological Access and Technological Efficacy for this group. This paper is timely and relevant as adequate access to technology and technological competence is critical for success in the expanding field of online learning, and the research findings can be used to guide and inform subsequent actions vital to bridging any educational equity gap that might exist. Findings: A critical subset of the sample who were first generation, low income, and non-White (FGLINW) had significantly lower levels of Technological Access. In addition, nearly half of the survey sample used smartphones to access online courses. Technological Efficacy scores were significantly lower for students who dropped out of or never enrolled in an online course. Transfer students had significantly higher Technological Efficacy scores while independent students (determined by tax status for federal financial aid purposes) reflected higher Technological Efficacy, but at a marginally lower level of significance. Recommendations for Practitioners: Higher education administrators and educators should take into consideration the gaps in technology related access and skills to devise institutional interventions as well as formulate pedagogical approaches that account for such gaps in educational equity. This will help ensure pathways to sustained student success given the rapidly growing landscape of online education. Recommendation for Researchers: Similar studies need to be conducted in other institutions serving UNS and UNR students in order to bolster findings and increase awareness. Impact on Society: The digital divide with respect to Technological Access and Technological Efficacy that impacts UNS and UNR student populations must be addressed to better prepare such groups for both academic and subsequent professional success. Addressing such gaps will not only help disadvantaged students maximize their educational opportunities but will also prepare them to navigate the challenges of an increasingly technology driven society. Future Research: Given that it is more challenging to write papers and complete projects using a smartphone, is there a homework gap for UNS and UNR students that may impact their academic success? What is the impact of differing levels of Technological Efficacy on specific academic outcomes of UNS and UNR students?

scholarly journals Different Approaches to the Development of Online Learning in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (SPE3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iurii V. Kornilov ◽  
Dmitriy A. Danilov ◽  
Alla G. Kornilova ◽  
Aleksei I. Golikov ◽  
Ilya B. Gosudarev
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Distance Learning Technologies ◽  
Competencies Development

The processes of online learning implementation, including e-learning and distance learning technologies in higher education have been revealed. The experience of the development of the first online courses at M. K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University is described. As a part of the study, the main approaches to the development of online learning in higher education are identified. The authors of the study focus on the work of the advanced training courses for the academic staff as the opportunity for professional competencies development in the context of online education.

scholarly journals ONLINE LEARNING IN THE POST-COVID EDUCATIONAL SPACE OF PEDAGOGICAL HIGHER EDUCATION

2021 ◽  
pp. 211-226
Author(s):  
A. Rastrygina ◽  
Z. Koloskova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
National Level ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Modern Music ◽  
Offline Learning ◽  
State Education

The article highlights the issues related to the need of introducing online education as an innovative form of learning in the post-COVID educational space of pedagogical educational establishments, mastering which becomes the basis for the development of specific elements of digital competence of future specialists. It was stated that in finding ways to solve problems in the system of pedagogical higher education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its probable continuation over a long period, scientists stressed the need to respond immediately to new circumstances and introduce distance learning using various web servers, platforms and resources, and social networks. Given the analysis of scientific sources and the results of expert verification of the feasibility of using digital assistive devices during the transition to distance learning related to quarantine measures, it is confirmed that most scientists from the world-leading universities have confirmed the effectiveness of combining common forms of offline learning with distance learning on the online platform and supported the introduction of blended learning in the post-COVID educational space of higher education institutions. The use of online learning in the post-COVID educational space of pedagogical institutions of higher education, regardless of the format of its receiving (online or offline), is standardized at the national level and confirmed in the documents of the State Education Quality Service of Ukraine. The content and forms of the distantly conducted classes are presented in the example of art subjects. Not only does it cause the change of teaching technologies in the art educational space of higher education institutions, but it also becomes an essential factor in improving the professional culture of a modern music teacher.

A Conceptual Study on Employer Perception towards Hiring Employee with Online Degree/Certification

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Naresh B. ◽  
Rajalakshmi M.
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Conceptual Study ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
The Impact

Higher education is enduring a transition across the world. This transition leads to the introduction of technology into the education system and provides opportunities to pursue a degree through online participation. According to Bramble and Panda, globalization plays a vital role in recognizing the necessity of providing online learning opportunities in higher education. The stakeholders and education institutions are very much concerned about the massive potential of online learning models. In the span of a decade, the demand for online courses has increased due to change in technology, lifestyle, economics, concerns of employees to develop knowledge, new competency skills and thinning out the geographical differences, etc. The innovative archetype of the online education is significant in quality, course content, satisfaction, and the perception of the users from various levels when compared to traditional face-to-face classroom systems. As a result, online education is more effective and efficient than the model of face-to-face education. The main objective of this research is to analyse and measure the various factors that affect employer perception towards online education systems in their recruitment process and cycle. 549 articles have been examined in terms of integrated literature review system to measure the impact. The result indicates, awareness, readiness, credentials and reputation are the major factors that affect employer perception on hiring decision.

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