EduCause 2014: The On-Demand Model for HE: Providing Education as a Service across Colleges and Universities

Sponsored by Campus Management, this session concentrated on the idea that "institutions are facing a convergence of forces that, combined with an outdated technology infrastructure, have created the need for a new approach in education technology: the On-Demand Model for Higher Education. Hear from this dynamic panel about rising above technology challenges to empower dynamic models of engagement and delivery and, in turn, positively impact growth, retention, and financial security. "

Perhaps a rather unsatifying session but maybe useful comments about MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).

Speakers:
Ann Taylor, Director, John A. Dutton e-Education Institute
Navneet Johal ,Education Technology Analyst, Ovum
Karli Grant, Manager, Product Marketing, Campus Management
Connor Gray, Campus Management

I guess this session might be able to be linked back to Professor Clay Christenson's session on disruptive innovation.  Campus Management are pushing online or 'out of class' learning and technology.   With 'Engagement, Flexibility, Agility' being headline words.  From the presentation, it was not entirely clear what the specifics were on the use of technology to deliver an 'on-demand' model for Education.  It was clear that the presenters thought there are a number of challenges around course or module authoring right through to delivery.  When ought the lectures be delivered?  When should blended face-to-face and on-line learning be provided?

Should Education institutions redefine themselves?  Ann Taylor reckoned "big, small, public, private.  They need to really go back to their mission and make sure they are the right kind of institution.  As long as they stay focused at what they are good at then they will be competitive.  But, remember, the next institution is just a click away".  I guess this last point is pretty true - on-line students don't need to move house to move to another institution.  Just move web sites.

What about MOOCs? Navneet Johal of Ovum thought:"without sounding too skeptical, I can see its value as a marketing and branding approach.  For the most part, the hype is reducing and Institutions do not see MOOCs as a priority.  MOOCs need to be offered for the right reasons.  I can see far less MOOC orientated stuff here at EduCause compared to last year".   

Ann Taylor thought much the same: "coming from an institution that provides MOOCs I completely support that.  They have been a fun way to re-enforce our brand.  For personal enrichment then they are great.  We've seen a 24% increase in demand for our traditional online paid for courses - I think because of the marketing presence MOOCs have given us".

So, the panel didn't think MOOCs were much of a threat to traditional higher educational institutions.

Connor Grey did think that there were big challenges and highlighted that a number of CFOs did not believe the current HE funding model is viable "People feel secure 'until the collapse'".  He suggested that 'Agility' is probably a key capability that institutions need to develop to be competitive.  With the Campus Management technology providing a good foundation.