Rationale

Not only can enrollment be increased through transfer students, perceptions regarding online education are changing.  According to the 2019 Online Education Trends Report, 99% of administrators found that demand for online education has increased or stayed the same over the past few years. In 2018, 73% of schools made a decision to offer online programs based on the growth potential for overall student enrollment.  Many students will be working while attaining their degree or need flexibility within their course schedule due to family and life commitments. Therefore, expansion of split, hybrid and online courses will be essential for increased student enrollment. Not only will this increase the flexibility of the students’ schedules, but the faculty will also feel this benefit.  Faculty have reported satisfying elements pertaining to flexibility, access, and student diversity. 

Ideas from Other Institutions

Many institutions are offering courses in a variety of ways to meet the changing needs of the students they serve.  In order to make this transition, some colleges are providing instructions and support on how to create hybrid and online courses as well as incentives to develop courses. Design frameworks have been created to increase the satisfaction and motivation of those teaching online. 

Suggestions for Northwestern

NWC needs to develop more course offerings that include split/hybrid and online classes.  These courses need to be available for the traditional and adult learner.  Faculty must have support in the development of these different types of courses with the help of a course designer as well as various incentives in the development of the courses.

Strategic Plan

Goal 3.1 – Pursue strategic enrollment growth – Increase residential undergraduate enrollment.

Goal 3.2 – Pursue strategic enrollment growth – Increase graduate and adult enrollment 

Goal 4.2 – Embrace and celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity – Increase diversity among students

Additional Resources:

Lieberman, M. (2017). Saved by a Hybrid.Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2017/09/20/hybrid-courses-offer-quick-fix-disaster-scenarios-overall

Autry, M.K. (2011). WPA’s guide to the hybrid writing classroom.  World Press. Retrieved from https://wpahybridguide.wordpress.com/

Lieberman, M. (2017). Shocker: Professors like to be Paid. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2017/08/23/colleges-offer-stipends-and-more-encourage-hybrid-courses-and

Seaman, J.E., Allen, I.E., & Seaman, J. (2018). Grade increase: Tracking distance education in the United States. [Annual Report]. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED580852.pdf

Best Colleges (2019). 2018 Online Education Trends Report.  Retrieved from https://www.bestcolleges.com/perspectives/annual-trends-in-online-education/

Bolliger, D.U. & Wasilik, O. (2009) Factors influencing faculty satisfaction with online teaching and learning in higher education, Distance Education,30:1, 103-116, DOI: 10.1080/01587910902845949