How is online learning changing higher education?

In the first half of 2020 alone, there was a record-breaking investment in education technology.

This investment in the early stages of the pandemic meant there was a huge step forward in the way lectures were taught. Many universities around the world, including the American University of the Middle East, used the online platform Moodle, and invested in the integration of various other live streaming educational tools.

Students were able to use their computers, laptops and mobiles to log in to a single interface where they could attend and engage in live lectures, access materials, interact with each other and with faculty, submit assignments, check grades and attend online tutoring sessions.

AUM has also unveiled its mobile app to help students stay up to date with all the important university information and to get quicker and easier access to learning resources.  

Now many universities are finally looking to return to on-campus courses, online learning may be used to make education more accessible for students who are unable to attend in person. Online learning will give many students the option to access high quality teaching from anywhere around the world.  

Additionally, students will be able to access resources, such as webinars, video tutorials, FAQs, and social media communications that will allow them to better prepare for class and improve the interactions between lecturers and students.  

The social aspect of the university was something that students missed while studying online. However, many universities around the world have used technology to connect students through shared interests.  

For example, at the American University of the Middle East there is a focus on developing a digital eco-system, which will create a vibrant environment for students to study and socialise.  

They have put on a wide range of events for students including competitions, talks and quizzes. Recent examples of online events hosted by the school include a music trivia night; an event for world water day which included activities and competitions; and an online fitness coaching event.  

These online events look set to continue long after the pandemic is over, with events being live-streamed to include people from around the world. 

One aspect of online learning that has really boomed is the rise of MOOCs (massive open online courses) and self-paced e-courses. These are open to everyone, free of charge, often offered by prestigious institutions to give learners an opportunity to attend additional courses of their choice.

The Soft Skills E-courses platform at AUM is available for students, faculty and staff, and is an opportunity to engage in self-paced e-courses that will upgrade their skills. Through AUM's partnership with Skillsoft, the university offers exclusive access to over 6,000 soft skills world-class video courses.

AUM has recently given an introductory online two-week long workshop about building and programming robots. During the workshop, students learnt about sensors and actuators for robotics, electronic connections and interface, software programming, and logic design for robotics systems.

Also, as part of its student-centric approach to provide high school students with a genuine and holistic learning experience, AUM offers online courses and workshops through the AUM youth website in science, coding, English, mathematics and more.

These free online courses allow students to expand their knowledge and learn more about a subject they’re interested in, helping them set self-development goals and make more informed choices about their education.  

As remote teaching has proven to be a success, it’s up to the universities and their students to decide what the future of higher education will look like. Some have suggested that a hybrid model will be the way forward, where students will attend some lectures in person and others remotely.  

But could the future hold something more high-tech? The American University of the Middle East thinks so. 

The university has obtained telepresence robots that will allow students and faculty who are unable to reach campus to be on campus remotely via the robot. These robots feature two cameras with a wide field of view and a tilt, pan and zoom system. You can also choose locations and get the robot to travel there.  

Whatever the future of higher education holds, online learning has made a significant contribution to it.

Lead image credit: American University of the Middle East