Innovations that impact on an institution’s ability to maintain a competitive edge
In my view, innovations and trends around online learning will be within the aspect of service. Whether the LMS is traditional or an augmented reality, students yearn for flexibility and continuity while receiving personal and, even, customized service. While technology continues to evolve, higher education is beginning to follow suit in aspects of ubiquity and transparency. Students want an “anytime, anywhere” experience, whether their professors are holograms, teach through conferencing tools like Collaborate, or use gaming strategies. Students will receive easy access to content, instructors, and supporting services. One of the biggest possible trends would be toward a “subscription” service. Millennials are used to Netflix, Overwatch, and Pokémon Go, and would desire the same flexibility for degrees. In a manner similar to what educators call “chunking,” students want the flexibility to binge learn or stop without penalty. The idea of mobility and transferability, both in platf...