Tonight I started watching the recording for the CHLOE 9 – Strategy Shift: Institutions respond to sustained online demand webinar. Bethany Simunich, Vice President of Innovation and Research presented on the latest updates. There were several presenters: Bethany Simunich, PhD, Vice President of Innovation and Research, Quality Matters; Richard Garrett, Eduventures Chief Research Officer, Encoura; Eric Fredericksen, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Online Learning and Professor, University of Rochester; and Mark McCormack, Ph.D., Senior Director, Research & Insights, EDUCAUSE. Simunich noted that the CHLOE 9 sample was similar to previous sampling and representative of the online landscape. Thirty two percent of 324 sampled noted that they have incorporated online learning into their institutional strategy. Public two-year institutions were the sector highest sector that fully incorporated online learning into their institutional plan. The priorities reported were creating online versions of on-campus degrees. Institutions reported an uptick in promoting the quality of their online education. However, only 32% of institutions reported promoting their support for online learners was part of the marketing for online programs. Barriers and challenges reported to online initiatives noted that most respondents reported “resolving” or “resolved” most issues including lack of faculty or administrative buy-in and lack of online support staff. When asked what the primary barrier to online initiatives (sample = 295), faculty autonomy was reported by 20% and tension around institutional mission/culture (17%). I will continue watching this session tomorrow to learn more from the rest of the speakers!
