Digital learning is the future--here are some ways online institutions can meet students' needs and expectations, like these women looking at elearning.

Four trends shaping the future of digital learning in higher ed


Digital learning is the future--here are some ways online universities can meet students' needs and expectations

According to Babson Survey Research Group, nearly 33 percent of college students are taking at least one course online. As online higher education continues to evolve and gain popularity, it is crucial that online universities continue prioritizing student’s needs.

Following trends in the industry is one way online universities or universities offering online classes can learn what those needs are and where they can innovate to meet them.

Related content: Are we missing the boat in online learning?

As we enter a new decade, it’s clear that digital learning is the way of the future and the trends outlined below are indicators of where online universities can grow and what students expect when they choose to continue their higher education online.

Career-readiness is the top priority.

According to an annual report recapping online education trends, career advancement is the top driver of continuing education. For the first time, in 2019 a majority of students identified themselves as career accelerators who are interested in earning a degree in a field where they already work or have practical experience.

To meet those needs, online universities need to continue incorporating career-ready coursework and certifications to ensure that students are equipped to enter the workforce after completing their degree. Especially for non-traditional students, including adult learners who work full or part-time, earning a degree in their desired field is a specific means to an end for career advancement.

When online universities prioritize those skills that employers are most often and most recently searching for, students can see the results of their education and achieve those goals more quickly.

The skills landscape is rapidly changing.

At a traditional four-year university, many of the skills and concepts that are taught during the first year are outdated by the time students graduate. The beauty of a competency-based model for online learning is that if there is a skill or topic that a student already knows, he or she can earn course credit for those skills they have proven to master, allowing for speedier degree accomplishment and focusing on skills that are new or may have changed.

Entering the workforce with job-ready skills is an important ROI for students. Especially in constantly evolving fields like IT and cybersecurity, it’s critical for online higher education institutions to remain in lock-step with employers needs so that the curriculum for specific programs can be adapted to best serve the student upon graduation.

Many online universities are already well-equipped to be flexible and incorporate new and evolving skills, but this must remain a priority so that students can graduate with those job-ready skills no matter their pace for degree completion.

There is an increased value in workforce development initiatives and employer partnerships.

It is mutually beneficial for institutions and employers to develop programs and partnerships that address the knowledge, skills, and training experience required in the workplace.

For example, companies can work with online universities to design courses that teach students how to use products or tools in that industry. Conversely, employers can provide opportunities for current employees. Strategic partnerships have the ability to empower corporations, school districts, healthcare facilities, associations and other organizations to create new opportunities for their people to pursue. This can also help reduce turnover and increase diversity in their leadership.

Furthermore, meaningful partnerships allow current students to connect with and learn from potential employers, mentors and colleagues.

Students expect a unique and personal higher education experience.

At online universities, students come from varied backgrounds and stages of life and because most do not have a traditional physical campus, community-building can be more challenging. Online programs must provide unique and personal higher education experiences where students and faculty receive targeted support.

According to the 2019 Online Education Trends Report from BestColleges.com, 20 percent of online alumni say unexpected personal events were a major obstacle to graduation. Almost 40 percent of administrators say this is the biggest issue for their current students, which also impacts support services, student tracking and intervention, and faculty development. That sense of community where students feel supported by their professors, mentors and peers must not be lost.

While there is inherent flexibility in online learning in terms of graduation timelines, affordability and coursework, nothing can replace high-quality relationships in their education.

As more and more students opt for taking certain classes online or attending an online university in the future, higher ed institutions will have to adapt to these trends to ensure their students’ success.

Considering that career readiness is the top priority for most students and there is an expectation for a personal college experience, universities must accommodate the changing skills landscape by constantly evaluating coursework to match those skills, developing innovative partnerships and initiatives, and building a supportive community.

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