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 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?

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.

An examination on the growth and sustainability of Australian transnational education

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fion Choon Boey Lim ◽  
Mahsood Shah
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Transnational Education ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dynamics facing transnational education (TNE) in Australia through literature review in three major areas: policy changes in Australia and major importing countries of Australian TNE, and recent development in online learning and the impact of the prevailing TNE models. The paper concludes by shedding some light on how these changes could affect the sustainability of the growth of Australian TNE in the future. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on review of literature and use of secondary data on TNE in Australia. The paper analyzes the external quality audit reports with focus on TNE. It finally analyzes the future sustainability of Australian TNE based on growth of higher education in Asia and emergence of online learning. Findings TNE is experiencing growth in Australia. Based on the current model such as setting overseas campus and partnerships, the growth may not be sustainable. The emergence of online learning and developments in Asian higher education may pose increased risk and competition. TNE has been subject to external scrutiny through the external quality agency in past. The current compliance-driven quality assessment may put the transnational quality assessment at risk with increased focus on assessing the quality based on review of documentation. Originality/value The paper is original and it is based on Australian TNE.

scholarly journals A Study on the Impact of the Sudden Change to Online Education on the Motivation of Higher Education Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Salim Al-Hashmi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Academic Factors ◽  
Technology Platforms ◽  
The Times ◽  
Future Of Education ◽  
The Impact

This study investigates the extent to which students’ motivation has changed following the decision to offer all courses entirely online as an emergency remote teaching (ERT). Many scholars describe online learning as the future of education. This mode will soon replace on-campus instruction; thus, such a study is important for higher education institutions (HEIs) that decide to use technology platforms at the times of unpredicted crises. Recent research has focused attention on student motivation in online learning contexts. However, this project results from the sudden transformation to remote online learning caused by COVID-19. The study involved 20 students from an Omani university who participated in four focused group discussions. The findings revealed that students’ motivation in remote online learning is impacted by several academic factors (e.g., teachers and lack of group work) and non-academic factors (e.g., internet connectivity and family obligations).

scholarly journals Can Online Learning Bend the Higher Education Cost Curve?

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Deming ◽  
Claudia Goldin ◽  
Lawrence F. Katz ◽  
Noam Yuchtman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Cost Curve ◽  
Full Time ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Education Data ◽  
The Impact

We examine whether online learning technologies have led to lower prices in higher education. Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, we show that online education is concentrated in large for-profit chains and less-selective public institutions. We find that colleges with a higher share of online students charge lower tuition prices. We present evidence of declining real and relative prices for full-time undergraduate online education from 2006 to 2013. Although the pattern of results suggests some hope that online technology can “bend the cost curve” in higher education, the impact of online learning on education quality remains uncertain.

Is Online Learning the Future of Global Higher Education?

2021 ◽  
pp. 28-44
Author(s):  
Pamela A. Lemoine ◽  
John P. McElveen ◽  
Robert E. Waller ◽  
Michael D. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Education Community ◽  
The Future ◽  
Global University ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Adaptive Technologies ◽  
Innovation And Change

Technology for learning and globalization make the business of global higher education more complicated and competitive each day particularly in the unfolding pandemic of COVID-19. Innovation and change in global university instruction require adaptive technologies in response to the demands of a knowledge economy where students are engaged in rapid technology acclimatization in a constantly changing world. As the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century unfolds, significant changes are taking place in global universities to accommodate the needs of more students, different students, and challenged students. The global pandemic has forced most of the global higher education community to offer instruction through online learning. Although universities extensively use e-learning, distance learning, online education, remote learning, or some other form of technology-driven education currently, what are the prospects of online learning in the future after the pandemic?

scholarly journals Academic libraries in COVID-19: a renewed mission for digital literacy

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantina Martzoukou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has placed online learning, blended or hybrid provision as the “new normal” in Higher Education. For most universities and their academic libraries, especially those with a less strong online presence, the pandemic has caused numerous challenges. However, it has also been a catalyst for change and resifting of priorities. For academic librarians involved in the delivery of information skills/literacy training, a renewed mission is emerging, addressing access and connectivity to resources, designing for online education and fostering the development of digital literacy of students.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper based on the author's personal experiences and subjective opinion as a Library and Information Science educator with considerable expertise in online distance learning in the UK. Reflecting critically on the impact of the pandemic from an educational point of view and on key changes experienced, the paper centres on the argument that academic librarians could emerge as strategic partners in Higher Education, towards the direction of enhancing students' digital competences development.FindingsThe complete and involuntary shift to online learning due to COVID-19 restrictions has opened the door to multiple challenges in Higher Education, which are complex and ongoing: the implementation of remote tools and practices en masse in online teaching and learning in a way that ensures accessibility and equity for all, issues connecting to online pedagogy and how to prepare students with the information and digital literacy competences required for the new online learning “normal”. As academic libraries move forward, they have a renewed mission to help learners in the online space to become both information rich and digitally competent. There is an opportunity to act as the connecting link that will help to move a step forward a strategic vision that places design for equity at the centre of education.Originality/valueThe impact of COVID-19 within Higher Education and academic libraries more specifically, is a theme that has not been yet sufficiently discussed, researched or critically debated as the world is still currently going through the pandemic crisis. This paper aims to initiate some early thoughts and conversation, as well as put forward the author's personal critical positioning on the issues, challenges and potential opportunities, emerging in the current educational climate for academic librarians, and to highlight areas of importance for the design and direction of information and library science curricula.

scholarly journals Group Work And Distance Online Learning in Higher Education – Reflecting on the Covid-19 Experience in the Natural Sciences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pillay Rajendran
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Technology ◽  
Pedagogical Strategy ◽  
Group Members ◽  
The Impact

The sudden shift to online education at higher education institutions due to the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on teaching and learning. For many the “new experience” meant learning or improving on the use of online technology in the distance mode. Although there have been many studies conducted on the impact of the pandemic on higher education, there is a paucity of research on specific pedagogies to mediate learning in the distance context, group work being one of them. This paper presents a reflective analysis of a case study in which group work was a pedagogical strategy used during the lockdown. Data collection involved questionnaires and a part transcript of a group’s mobile synchronous text chat. The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively for the open and closed questions, respectively. The findings reveal mobile phones as the most common technological device used, the specific challenge of data and internet access on group work success, and the professional benefit of developing social skills even in a distance online context. The study confirms that group work is a viable pedagogical strategy to mediate distance online learning which requires the expert guidance of the lecturer and reflection by group members to improve their distance online interactions.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Online Learning in Higher Education: A Vietnamese Case

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1683-1695
Author(s):  
Duc-Long Le ◽  
Thien-Vu Giang* ◽  
Dieu-Khuon Ho
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Technology In Education ◽  
Vietnamese Higher Education ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article mentions the impact of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on online learning in Vietnamese higher education in 2020. This is a qualitative case study, by using in-depth interviews to explore the changes in the perception, methods, and orientation of online learning of students and lecturers at a key pedagogical university when experiencing the three COVID-19 outbreaks in Vietnam. The findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic has a positive impact on the developmental orientation of online learning at the Vietnamese higher education level. Even though at the time of an outbreak, opposition and dissatisfaction with online learning occurred; but through the three outbreaks, together with the efforts of lecturers and students, online learning in Vietnam has recorded remarkable achievements. This is a prerequisite for the development of online education and the innovation of digital technology in education.</p>

How Kinesiology Leaders Can Use the Constructs of Adaptive, Complexity, and Transformational Leadership to Anticipate and Prepare for Future Possibilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Lara M. Duke ◽  
Jennifer P. Gorman ◽  
Jennifer M. Browne
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Curriculum And Pedagogy ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
The Future ◽  
Adaptive Complexity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Leadership Approaches

In this article, we present a rationale for infusing adaptive, complexity, and transformational leadership theories into the kinesiology leader’s praxis. Understanding and incorporating these theories will prepare kinesiology leaders to respond to the emerging trends influencing the future of higher education and work leading into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Specifically, we discuss the impact of the pandemic, which has transformed the way students and academics approach curriculum and pedagogy. We conclude the article with a discussion of the future of higher education and work and explore ways to cultivate kinesiology leadership approaches for anticipatory thinking and planning to respond to the transformation occurring in our field.

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