Challenges faced by traditional schools entering into the online (part 3)

showmethenumbers.gif3. Transition from tradition
Achieving success by breaking through academic bureaucracy

The same principle that deems the necessity of a separate admission or sales team when cultivating online leads (as opposed to residential leads) equally applies in the academic realm. Many resident programs are driven and controlled by academic committees and deans that often embrace an “elitist” type attitude.  While not negating the great importance in offering a quality, student experience and assessing student learning outcomes, oftentimes a school can be governed by the mindset that believes that unless a student is sitting in front of a live faculty member, he or she is not learning. It takes a concentrated effort on the behalf of the school’s leadership to be pioneers in education and break from the traditional mold of teaching. Hiring forward thinking faculty who will embrace the opportunities of online learning as an effective and modern education tool is crucial. Forward thinking can include incorporating the newest technology in the course format, introducing new programs that will have high market demand, and updating and revising current courses on a continuous basis.

Utilizing a separate adjunct faculty model for the instruction of online courses is also preferable and more effective than using resident faculty to teach both formats. Many adjunct faculty teach online courses for a living and their career, and are often more in tune with the online environment, their students’ needs, and the unique challenges that can be faced when teaching from a distance. Constructing a separate academic structure for online programs can be the best way to accomplish and promote the highest level of quality instruction.

4. Show me the numbers
Data is everything: If you can’t measure it, don’t do it

Many schools do not possess the expertise or the mindset needed to properly analyze and utilize incoming data. Whether tracking traditional or online enrollment, an internal data management team is key to achieving and continuing success. The Director of Data Management is a co-pilot on the management team that allow the school to organize, analyze, and pull data in order to make decisions on the fly and with quick and effective turnaround. A large portion of an organization’s future success is centered on the ability to make decisions based upon on solid data — not just a theory or gut feeling. In the online education industry, data management plays a vital role in allowing leadership to make quick and effective changes to stay ahead of the competition. The online education market is very dynamic, often changing daily. Effective and controlled data management provides the ability to change, manage, and most importantly, make educated decisions at the same pace that the competition demands.

To be continued…….

October 1, 2008 · Filed Under Distance Learning, Misc

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