Online Education Across the Atlantic Phil Hill, Neil Mosley, and Glenda Morgan

In today's episode of "Online Education Across the Atlantic," we dive deep into the current state and future of online learning. We discuss how online education is not just a fleeting trend but a substantial evolution that's making education accessible for many, including those who had to abandon their studies previously. We explore the diversity of online learners, the necessity of flexible program designs, and the need of adapting to meet various life schedules. From discussions on the FAFSA fiasco's impact on enrollment to insights on the growth of platforms like Coursera and FutureLearn, our conversation is hopefully packed with valuable insights. Don't forget—the future of education is being shaped today, and staying informed is key. Thanks for listening, and keep tuning in for more discussions!

00:00 Discussion on online education and current events.

04:45 Analysts react negatively, but improvements are noteworthy.

07:54 Online education demand increasing despite expected enrollment drop.

10:54 Blended learning key change, not just technology.

13:30 Two online student surveys reveal characteristics.

19:15 UK split reflects part time provision ratio.

21:41 Challenges of online education and its delivery.

25:12 Most online learners open to synchronous learning.

28:32 People want in-person experiences in addition to online options.

29:31 Diverse online learners need flexible teaching formats.

33:11 42% didn't finish their first program, online learning helps.

39:16 Second degrees often pursued for specific careers.

40:45 Online learning generates more data, cost matters.

43:55 Balancing education with daily life for access.

46:16 Emphasize value of annual student surveys, recommend.

Welcome to another episode of 'Online Education Across the Atlantic'. Today, we dived deep into the bustling world of the ASU GSV conference as well as the Times Higher Ed conference, exploring the successes and failures of putting together a good conference. We unpacked the challenges of navigating such a high-profile event (ASU GSV), from the overcrowded panels to the spontaneous connections made in line. We also touched on the power of being present and how flexibility can enhance your conference experience. Alongside discussing the evolving AI dialogue, we highlighted the event's unique focus on education and investment, emphasizing its role as a crucible for discussing significant industry developments. Thanks for tuning in, and join us next time as we continue to explore the dynamic world of online education!

00:00 Reviewing recent conferences.

04:32 Conference program can be hit and miss.

07:56 ASU GSV key conference for networking and investment pitches.

11:04 Personal highlights from conferences.

15:29 Pleasantly surprised by engaging conference sessions.

19:06 Balancing panel preparation for engaging discussions.

21:10 Effective moderation vital for dynamic and engaging panels.

25:09 Investor and vendor-focused event vs Institution focused conferences.

28:56 Interest in collective innovation in higher education.

31:11 Gartner conference exposed Morgan to diverse perspectives.

35:16 Personal stories from ASU GSV and Times Higher Ed.

36:17 Networking essential for maximizing conference benefits.

40:06 Structured groups help connect people at conferences.

42:25 AI enables easy button applications for knowledge.

Welcome to another episode of Online Education Across the Atlantic, where today we explore the intertwined issues of higher education crises and political impact, the evolving landscape of online education assessments, and the contentious world of educational rankings. We dive into how the declining enrollment might shake up the next U.S. elections and discuss the impact of financial oversights in tech-oriented educational firms like 2U. Furthermore, we question the methodology behind new initiatives like Times Higher Education's move to rank online programs and contrast these with the real needs of online education — highlighting the oversight of critical factors like technology integration and faculty training. Join us as we navigate these complex topics, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of how online education can be effectively evaluated and ranked. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the future of education on both sides of the Atlantic.

00:00 Addressing financial concerns with proactive PR strategy.

05:18 Challenging to respond to agenda-driven critique.

07:29 Concerns about huge impact on education system.

10:05 Higher education funding impacted by political events.

13:47 Good at quiz shows, concern about news.

19:39 Optimistic about potential benefits of education rankings.

20:49 Rankings and student feedback on university programs.

26:49 Doubtful interpretation of online education rankings.

29:18 Critique of US news and rankings defensiveness.

31:55 Concerns about understanding online education delivery and funding.

38:02 Challenges of opposing influential university rankings system.

39:30 Evie Cummings leads UF online program successfully.

42:33 Exciting developments in online education

In three stories that we have discussed lately - the UAGC ongoing fiasco, the University of Phoenix sales process, and Project Kitty Hawk board reports - there seems to be a common theme. Namely, that governance issues are creating a lot of the risk, when governance should be used to manage risk. What is happening around governance in these three examples, and why are we seeing this common theme across high-profile online initiatives? What does this say about higher ed culture and its ability to navigate change?

Phil, Morgan, and Neil take a look at innovations in academic programs - what is new and what trends are taking root. Is there a reason for so many examples listed coming from more than a decade ago?

Phil, Morgan, and Neil take a look at the optimistic projects often involved in starting online education initiatives. What are some examples of what Morgan calls 'optimism run amok', and what are the causes? What is the role of institutional brand in online education potential?