Dive Brief:
- New research into the most effective elements of massive open online courses and other digital learning models find the human elements to be critical.
- eCampus News reports peer interaction improves outcomes and instructor input, through course design or the actual teaching and facilitation of course concepts, is essential.
- The report also covers the evolution of online course technology, discussing the currently emerging "fourth generation," which includes adaptive learning and competency-based models, according to the article.
Dive Insight:
There has been massive growth in online learning models over the last decade, from early adopters who basically replicated traditional course designs in their online delivery to more modern systems that treat online coursework as a distinct experience. MOOCs, in some ways, changed the face of online delivery, opening up courses to tens of thousands of participants across the globe and bringing their own challenges to study. Ed tech is getting massive investment right now which should result in continued improvement.