Open Learning Initiatives
Program basics
- Provide educational materials to instructors for designing or supplementing curriculum
- Virtual platforms may include learning modules, virtual laboratories, examples and practice problems, and instructor feedback
- Content varies from several hours of lecture to semester-long courses
Outcomes and impact
- Inconsistent effect on academic achievement
- May increase credit accumulation and persistence
Keys to successful implementation
- Technology-enhanced learning resources will not be useful if students do not have internet access. Community-driven partnerships between educational institutions and internet service providers can help strengthen student access to the internet.
- The most effective online learning experiences are developed by teams that include instructors and other experts, like designers, technologists, user experience experts, and other digital learning specialists.
- Implementation of a strong feedback system allows students and instructors to adapt to learners' needs and challenges.
- Implementing open learning initiatives often require increased funding for public institutions of higher learning, frequently to help strengthen technology infrastructure.
- Professional development and support for educators to integrate learning technologies into their instructional practice is important for achieving positive outcomes.