5 ONLINE
EDUCATION TRENDS
FOR COLLEGE
Online education allows
non-traditional students the
opportunity to earn a degree
without leaving the comfort of
their own home. This educational approach
has opened doors for individuals with
circumstances prohibiting them from
participating in on-campus education. Whether
they are working full time, raising families, or
they live in a different state, online education
provides the opportunity to earn a degree
remotely. According to U.S. News and World
Report, the number of online students is
continuing to grow and experts are predicting a
number of trends within the next year for online
learning.
1. Adoption of “Microcredentials” –
As non-traditional students are on the
rise, universities are developing multiple
program levels since not everyone is
looking to complete a four-year degree.
Microcredentials offer certificate programs,
digital “badges” of completion, and other
types of credentials to prove successful
completion of continued education
coursework.
2. Tailored Curriculums from Data
Insights – Since students complete all of
their work online, universities are receiving
data that is not typically available in a
traditional classroom setting. Analytics
teams are using this data to predict student
success, and in turn, teachers are enhancing
their curriculum to meet the needs of their
students.
3. Artificial Intelligence – Universities are
investing in artificial intelligence, such as
virtual assistants, to provide an additional
layer of support on top of that which
students receive from their professors.
4. Nonprofit Programs – Experts are
continuing to see a drop in for-profit
programs as more nonprofits are ramping up
their online education offerings. Nonprofit
institutions are working to keep up with the
demand for more online programs.
5. Ranging Disciplines – As online
programs continue to grow, they are offering
an increasing number of focus areas that may
not have been thought of until recent years.
Some students who already have degrees
are looking for specialized programs to learn
new technology in their field and to increase
their knowledge and credibility.
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tools that assist with research, videos that make learning more fun, and access to
a community of individuals (peers, leaders and the like) to support their projects.
Students are using tools such as Skype to tap into their network of resources.
Live streaming enables students to have face-to-face contact with students,
teachers, community leaders and industry experts like never before. Visualization
is a proven tool for success, as teachers on the other end are able to demonstrate
lessons instead of simply lecturing. This is exceedingly helpful in the matter
of virtual learning. Instead of teachers working through chat, they have the
opportunity to talk directly to their students, allowing for a more personalized
experience for online learning.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
The idea of community schools was born with the thought of a school
becoming the center of a community, instead of just a place located within
it. A community school is built on partnerships between schools and other
community resources and focuses on academics, social services, and youth and
community development with the goal of being a hub for students, teachers,
parents and community leaders to come together to provide support and
opportunities to one another.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OFFER:
• Engaging Instruction – Community schools provide real-world learning
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and problem solving opportunities for students both within and outside of
the classroom. Instruction goes beyond the teachers, encouraging students
to engage with community leaders, local businesses and other public
organizations.
Expanded Learning Opportunities – Community schools, which are
typically open 24/7/365, offer and encourage students to pursue both
academic and non-academic success by enhanced opportunities to learn and
grow.
College, Career and Citizenship – Whether this is readiness for college,
technical school, or simply to enter the workforce, community schools focus
on ensuring that students are comfortable and confident after graduation to
become engaged members of society.
Health and Social Support – A strong community starts with healthy
members. Ensuring mental and physical well-being is a high priority in
community schools.
Community Engagement – Community schools are run by a collective
number of teachers, community organizations and other stakeholders that
monitor and grow the well-being of the entire community.