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Nazeeri to propose pedagogy and learner experience drive technology decisions

This week, I had the pleasure of conducting a webinar with Howard Lurie, Principal Analyst, Adult and Online Learning at Eduventures. The topic was Building Online Programs Without an OPM.

Conventional OPMs, estimated to be used by about 15-20% of universities in the U.S., are a popular option to outsource online degree program development, management, and marketing in return for a share of the revenue. In the webinar, we discussed the pros and cons of this model and also introduced an alternative model: professional services firms (e.g., ExtensionEngine).

Our mission at Talented Learning is to independently research the learning technology marketplace and help organizations choose and use the right solutions for their unique business needs. We recently uncovered a new trend that’s reshaping the way we’re think about online training for revenue, Custom Learning Experiences.

The value of online program management (OPM) companies is much debated these days. The piece at the top of everyone’s minds is a highly critical report produced by The Century Foundation which suggests these profit-driven companies “present potential risks to quality and value in the education.”

If you provide training to external audiences for revenue or to create impact - what is sometimes referred to as commercial training or extended enterprise - how do you remain competitive in the online learning space? By creating compelling, user-centric, differentiated training programs that stand out in the market. The question is, can you do that with your learning platform?

Innovative Program Supports Childcare Professionals Who Are Helping Kids Heal from the Impact of Trauma

Gamification is a big buzz word in the UX and online learning world. Many people get it confused with game design, which it is not. Game design is just that — the act of creating an actual game such as Sims or Angry Birds.

We would like to bring your attention to a webinar we recently presented with one of our clients, Fitch Learning. The webinar, Choosing a Platform for Revenue-Generating Online Training, provides a succinct and understandable breakdown of when to develop a custom learning experience — such as those we create — versus relying solely on a traditional learning management system (LMS).

Schools are realizing the grandiose potential of new technologies, but are now scratching their heads to answer questions such as these: How can my online program use 3D animators to create virtual worlds for online classrooms? How can my online program tap into cyber-replication of the vigorous discussion and debate that characterizes a vibrant college classroom? Where are the simulations that allow students to learn by manipulating variables and what-if scenarios?

These and a mass of other conundrums ultimately boil down to how can online programs actualize the potential promised by 21st century technology?

Last week, we attended the Eduventures Summit, the yearly instigator of a reawakening within higher ed’s biggest and best practitioners. The topics, though already top-of-mind for those of us leading innovation, were yet another reminder that differentiated, authentic, and visionary work is what’s driving the future of higher education.