The Future of Online Learning at IWU: Innovations and Enhancements
Emerging online education trends prove that remote education and distance learning experiences are becoming the preferred option for many students, particularly lifelong learners. Through online learning, students can enjoy a personalized and flexible experience that allows them to advance their skills while balancing their existing responsibilities.
With online learning on the rise, Indiana Wesleyan University is expanding its interactive programs, using top strategies to boost engagement, improve user experience, and enhance outcomes.
Embracing New Technologies in Online Learning
Online learning experiences have been a part of the college experience for decades, but recent advances in technology have ushered in a new era for online education. At Indiana Wesleyan University, we are proud to be both educators and innovators, and we are constantly working to embrace new technologies as part of our online learning experiences.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Online Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic on college campuses around the country, as students and instructors continue to discover how to leverage this technology in a way that is responsible and ethical. According to Inside Higher Ed, a growing number of students are relying on generative AI technology to streamline their coursework, requiring many college administrators to create policies regarding the use of AI. It's clear that AI technology will become a permanent part of the online learning landscape, requiring administrators and instructors to creatively incorporate AI technology into the online learning experience without compromising the integrity of the academic outcomes.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) in the Classroom
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are becoming key tools in online learning, particularly in professional development programs online. Virtual reality in online education provides instructors with an ability to offer hands-on training and simulated experience to remote students, ultimately promoting skill development through distance learning.
Interactive Learning Platforms and Tools
At Indiana Wesleyan University, our goal is to provide our students with the digital tools and technical resources that they need to thrive in an increasingly complex online learning landscape. Our interactive learning platforms and tools allow students to effortlessly navigate the online learning experience. The online resources and tools available at IWU include:
- Academic Writer
- BrightSpace Pulse App
- EndNote
- Grammarly
- Kaltura/My Media Channels
- Microsoft Office 365
- ReadSpeaker
- TurnitIn
- Zoom
New Online Programs and Courses at IWU
The demand for online learning experiences is expected to grow by more than 20 percent between 2022 and 2030, and at IWU, we are ready to meet that demand. Our innovative educators continue to look for new opportunities to offer our students, allowing us to launch new online programs and courses each year.
Expanding Degree Programs for In-Demand Careers
One of our priorities is to expand undergraduate and graduate degree programs for in-demand careers. Recognizing the need for students to gain practical, technical, and soft skills for the global economy, we are developing new programs that use advanced technology to offer a comprehensive learning experience.
Micro-Credentials and Certificate Programs
Micro-credentials and certificate programs are short-term learning experiences that allow a student to develop proficiency in a specific or niche skill. With rising demand for micro-credentials and certificate programs, we are exploring new online options for students seeking professional development and career advancement.
Flexible Learning Paths for Non-Traditional Students
As we work to build and develop new online programs for our students, we are prioritizing accessibility in online education. We recognize that no two students are alike, and that all students deserve a personalized learning experience. This is why we offer flexible learning paths for non-traditional students that allow more students to continue their education and develop the skills they need to grow on both a personal and professional level.
Enhancing the Student Experience Through Online Learning
Building community is an essential part of the online learning experience. Despite the fact that online students are not actively involved in campus life, they should still feel like a part of the IWU family. Our administrators and instructors strive to create a culture of positivity and support through our online learning experiences, which allows us to increase student engagement in online courses.
Improved Student Support Services
We offer a wide range of improved student support services that recognize the unique needs of online learners and provide students with the personalized care that they need as they navigate their coursework. Some of our student support services include:
- An interactive new student orientation. This orientation program is available to all new students who enroll in online degree programs or professional development programs at IWU. Through live webinars, students learn more about the IWU community and the resources available to them.
- Personalized research plans that provide students with a step-by-step guide as to how to use the digital libraries and resources available through IWU.
- Academic life coaching services that help students better understand their own learning styles and preferred working habits. Through academic life coaching, students can identify barriers to success that exist, and they can develop a strategic plan to overcome those barriers.
Community Building and Online Engagement
Community building plays a central role in our online learning experience. Students enjoy both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, providing them with the flexibility that they need but also the connection that they crave to the campus community.
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Online Education
At Indiana Wesleyan University, we are proud to offer accessible and inclusive online learning experiences. Inside Higher Ed notes that universal design frameworks promote accessibility in online education by acknowledging that all learners have different needs and that students should have a voice and choice in their learning experience.
Innovations in Online Teaching Approaches
During the height of the global pandemic, online learning was the norm for many students, and for instructors, it was a time that they began to discover what works well and what needs to be improved upon. Since that time, IWU has prioritized innovations in distance learning, ensuring that faculty members receive ongoing training to implement the best online education strategies for all students.
Adopting a Student-Centered Learning Approach
All of our IWU online programs feature a student-centered learning approach. Student-centered learning puts students at the heart of the educational experience, but this approach must be implemented by the instructor. Through student-centered learning, our online learners are key stakeholders in the educational environment, and they can exercise voice and choice in their educational experience.
Blended Learning Models
At IWU, we rely on blended learning models to provide our students with an engaging and interactive online learning experience. By combining the best of traditional, in-person teaching methods with the leading online education strategies, we can provide coursework that appeals to students and leads to positive academic results.
Faculty Development and Training in Online Instruction
Recognizing the fact that technology continues to advance and student needs continue to become more complex, we ensure that all of our online faculty members receive training in online instruction. They are constantly learning how to leverage the most advanced tools to provide all students with a seamless online learning experience.
Future Trends in Online Learning at IWU
The online learning landscape will continue to shift and evolve, and at IWU, we promise to continue to be at the forefront of those changes. By recognizing the emerging online education trends, we can adapt our programming and incorporate new technology to increase student engagement and improve accessibility in online education.
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Course Improvements
As part of our commitment to innovations in distance learning, we have enacted data-driven decision-making strategies on campus to make specific and necessary course improvements. Through data analysis, we can improve courses in real-time, ultimately ensuring that students have the best possible experiences and outcomes.
The Growing Importance of Lifelong Learning
Regardless of industry or specialty, most students today will need to be lifelong learners. Technology will continue to advance and evolve, requiring professionals in the global economy to refine their skills and adapt accordingly. Online learning is expected to play a more prevalent role in the future, particularly for those in need of micro-credentials and other short-term programming.
The Integration of Global Perspectives in Online Courses
Online courses will need to be continually evaluated and refined in an attempt to integrate global perspectives into all coursework. By promoting global perspectives, online learning experiences can help students become more culturally aware and culturally responsive, which will make it easier for them to navigate the global economy of the modern era.
Learn More About IWU Online Programs and Our Personalized Online Learning Experiences Today
Interactive online learning is an essential part of the Indiana Wesleyan University experience. There are more than 100 IWU online programs available through our College of Adult and Professional Studies, which offers opportunities for continuous, lifelong learning and professional development. If you are interested in exploring new topics or advancing your skill set, then now may be the best time to consider enrolling in one of our distance learning programs.
Find your program and request more information about the personalized online learning experience that you can enjoy at IWU.
Sources
https://www.indwes.edu/academics/colleges-schools#caps
https://www.indwes.edu/pathways/online-student-resources
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/online-colleges/online-learning-stats/
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/professional-learning/micro-credentials
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-centered-learning-starts-with-teacher-john-mccarthy
