About the Episode
About the Episode: Virtual learning has skyrocketed in popularity, and many faculty are being asked to bring their pedagogy online. In this episode we hear from Dr. Amanda Smith, the Chief Academic and Product Officer at Risepoint, a leading organization dedicated to empowering educational institutions to improve access and affordability for their academic programs through online learning. Risepoint specializes in providing comprehensive training and resources to help faculty excel in online teaching environments. Dr. Smith delves into how best to support faculty in their transition to online teaching and explore the strategies that can foster continuous improvement and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Online Learning is Expanding Rapidly: Faculty need tools, training, and strategies to adapt their pedagogy for the online environment effectively.
- AI is Transforming Education: Institutions should embrace AI to optimize course development and improve learning outcomes at scale.
- Collaboration Enhances Innovation: Peer collaboration among faculty fosters the exchange of best practices and supports innovation in teaching.
- Faculty Value Matters: Recognizing and incentivizing faculty contributions ensures they feel supported and motivated during transitions.
- Market Research is Key: Understanding local market demands and workforce needs is crucial for designing relevant online programs.
Episode Summary
What’s Next for Online Program Adoption?
Dr. Amanda Smith highlights the rapid growth of online learning, driven by evolving student needs and technological advancements. RisePoint, formed through a merger of Academic Partnerships and Wiley University Services, supports over 2,000 programs globally, helping universities design and deliver high-quality, affordable, workforce-relevant education.
The future of online learning includes:
- Increased Demand: Year-over-year growth as institutions strive to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Enhanced Technology: Faculty must adapt to innovative tools, such as AI, to create engaging and scalable learning experiences.
- Greater Collaboration: Institutions need to leverage partnerships and best practices to stay ahead.
How Can Technology Enhance Online Teaching?
Technology is reshaping how faculty approach course design and delivery. RisePoint focuses on:
- AI Integration: Tools like AI streamline course creation, reduce workload, and enhance learning materials.
- Cutting-Edge Platforms: Advanced learning management systems and interactive media ensure a rich student experience.
- Ongoing Research: RisePoint leads efforts to develop forward-thinking methodologies, giving faculty a competitive edge.
Faculty adoption of technology varies. While some embrace it enthusiastically, others express skepticism, particularly regarding AI. RisePoint addresses these concerns by providing training and fostering dialogue about best practices.
What Role Does Collaboration Play in Online Teaching?
Collaboration among faculty is critical to successful online teaching transitions. Through surveys, RisePoint found:
- Professional Learning Communities: Faculty value spaces to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange innovative ideas.
- Peer Support: Building a network of peers fosters confidence and creativity in adapting pedagogy for online modalities.
- Facilitated Discussions: RisePoint’s consortium of 125 universities enables faculty to collaborate across institutions, promoting shared growth.
How Can Institutions Support Faculty in This Transition?
Institutions must prioritize faculty support to ensure the success of online programs. Key strategies include:
- Recognition and Incentives: Acknowledge faculty contributions and provide tangible rewards for their efforts.
- Professional Development: Offer hands-on learning opportunities that align with faculty needs and teaching styles.
- Institutional Culture: Foster an environment that values online learning as integral to the university’s mission.
RisePoint emphasizes intellectual curiosity and practical applications, ensuring faculty feel empowered and motivated throughout the transition.
What Trends Are Emerging in Online Health Sciences Education?
Healthcare education, particularly nursing, represents a critical area for online program growth. Dr. Smith highlights the pressing need to address the nursing shortage:
- Pre-Licensure Programs: Programs like BSN and MSN are essential for preparing bedside nurses.
- Hospital Partnerships: Collaborations with healthcare systems are crucial for scaling clinical programs.
- Shift in Focus: While RN-to-BSN programs dominated a decade ago, today’s priority is attracting new entrants to the field.
These trends underscore the importance of aligning academic programs with workforce needs and local healthcare demands.
What Should Institutions Consider When Moving Programs Online?
Institutions planning to transition to online learning should:
- Conduct Market Research: Understand local workforce demands, competitive dynamics, and student needs.
- Develop a Holistic Strategy: Create a unified vision for program design, student experience, and faculty support.
- Plan for the Future: Incorporate AI and anticipate future trends to maintain program relevance.
Dr. Smith advises institutions to adopt a three-to-five-year strategic plan to ensure sustainability and adaptability.
About the Podcast: Embrace the future of higher education with Mastering the Next. Dr. Ray Lutzky takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of student recruitment and leading-edge technology, uncovering the next big trends in strategic enrollment management and the innovations that are transforming the academic landscape.
Whether it’s exploring AI-driven enrollment strategies, navigating the challenges of online learning platforms, or discussing the unique needs of non-traditional students, Mastering the Next is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of higher ed.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders, innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.
Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.
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