If a school that is either wholly online or has a significant online presence is worth its salt, the key stakeholders of those institutions must constantly be strategizing on the emergence of new technologies for teaching and learning. Just this afternoon, I participated in a demo of Ellimunate which is a live eLearning solution and collaboration software. Although its benefits for asynchronous learning are not as broad as they are for synchronous, it is something that we at Liberty are considering to address a number of needs for our online programs like tutoring, international delivery, and adjunct faculty development. To be honest, we are somewhat late into this particular game. Nevertheless, it is my goal to make sure that Liberty’s online programs keep pace with the emergence and evolution of these new technologies. Why? Because it enhances the learning experience of the online learner and offers that person a better chance of meeting with success.
Also, as it relates to enhancing and improving online student’s learning experiences, in a recent Eduventures (www.eduventures.com) survey, respondents indicated that enhanced discussion boards and virtual lab simulations are technologies that faculty and online course designers will require in the next three to five years. I also feel that other technologies that embrace the social networking forums will be key in the coming years.
And don’t rule out this new phenomenon called Second Life (www.secondlife.com), which is the 3D online virtual world. I am still trying to understand the “education regions” within Second Life, but it is certainly a platform favored by many institutions and instructors.