The document discusses key elements for successful online programs. It notes that in 2017, 81% of distance learning students were undergraduate and around 30% of all students took at least one online course. It also lists the top institutions for online enrollment in 2019. Several state universities have found success with online programs while others have struggled. The document outlines important considerations like marketing, learner support services, faculty support, data analytics, financial models, partnerships, and regulatory requirements.

1. The Core Elements for a
Successful Online Program
By: Hannah Modic

2. Enrollment Trends
2017 Data
• 81% of distance learning is for
undergraduate programs
• 29.7% of students surveyed
indicated they were taking at least
one online course
• 14.3% were fully online
• 15.4% were taking a
mixture of online and in-
person courses
• Each institution type saw an
increase in enrollment overall
between 2014 to 2015
(Allen & Seaman, 2017)
2
2019 Data: Online Enrollment Top 25
• Public Universities – 4
• 2-Year Public Universities – 2
• Private Non-Profit Universities – 5
• For-Profit Universities - 12
(Thackaberry, 2021)

3. State University Trends
Some state universities have had great success while
others have struggled to startup and continue online
programs
3
(Thackaberry, 2021)

4. 4
High-Profile Institutions
State Institutions
• Arizona State University
• University of Maryland Global Campus
• Colorado State University Global Campus
• Penn State – World Campus
Private Non-Profit Institutions
• Western Governors University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Liberty University
(Hill, 2021)

5. 5
Mergers & Acquisitions
While sometimes it may be controversial, some institutions merge to provide a better
education for students, change their tax status (for-profit vs. non-profit), or for
other reasons.
• Purdue & Kaplan
• The University of Arizona Global Campus
• Strategic Education Inc.
(Thackaberry, 2021)

6. Marketing & Recruitment
Super important!
Search Engine Optimization
Leads
Video, Online, Radio, & Print Ads
Billboards
6
(Voinovich, 2019)

7. 7
Learner Concierge Services
One bundled office to handle:
• Degree Completion
• Financial Aid
• Registrar
• Bursar
• Academic Support
• Accessibility Services

8. 8
Learning Experience
What affects the learning experience?
• Is the platform easy to use and navigate?
• Are there clear requirements and expectations for the students and faculty?
• Are there intentional components of interpersonal interaction?
• Is the technology being used efficiently?
• Was accessibility proactively considered?
• Are faculty trained and supportive?
• Is the program learner focused?
(Quality Matters, n.d.)

9. Faculty Support
Data has shown that there is a positive correlation
between faculty support and quality of eLearning
programs.
So how do we get their support?
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10. 10
Data & Analytics
Learning analytics provide many benefits to a student and their institution.
• Customize the learning experience to fit the needs of each student
• Identify at-risk students
• Personalize feedback
• Confidentiality
• Personalization
• Adaptability
All of these benefits are possible through data engagement and analyzation.
(edX, 2018)

11. 11
Financial Models
What should be considered for a financial model?
• Tuition & Fees
• Technology Maintenance
• Faculty Pay
• Enrollment (current & expected)
• Retention
• Support Services
• Marketing
• Overhead costs
• Startup Funds
Institutional financial models will likely fluctuate in the coming years because of the
increasing interest in eLearning.

12. Program Development
1. Analyze potential program to ensure it aligns with
enrollment goals and the institution’s strategic plan
2. Notify accrediting body (if program is being converted
from in-person to online)
3. Create a program development process.
12
(Smith, 2017)

13. 13
eLearning Environment
Learning Management Systems are the main platforms that institutions use for
eLearning.
• Blackboard Learn
• Canvas
• Moodle
• Desire2Learn
(Thackaberry, 2019)

14. 14
Technology Integrations
Student Information Systems – holds student data
Customer Relationship Management Systems – tracks student-institution interactions
(Voinovich, 2019)

15. Regulations
General Higher Education Requirements
Attendance Reporting
Regular & Substantive Interaction (Title IV specific)
Accessibility
15
(Poulin, 2019)

16. 16
Partnerships & Continual Innovation
• Gates Foundation
• Lumina Foundation
• Arizona State & Starbucks
• IBM & Northeastern University
• Walmart & Brandman University
(Starbucks Coffee, 2015)

17. Resources
17
Allen, E., & Seaman, J. (2017). Digital learning compass: Distance education enrollment report 2017 (No. 1). Babson Survey Research Group.
edX. (2018). Learning Analytics in Higher Education | UC3Mx on edX [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEnsg7eXsBU
GatesFoundation. (2016). Gates foundation postsecondary success [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRo21AH4L9s&feature=youtu.be
Hill, P. (2021). IPEDS fall 2019: Largest institutions by online enrollments in US with trends since 2012. PhilOnEdTech. https://philonedtech.com/ipeds-2019-largest-
institutions-by-online-enrollments/
Poulin, R. (2019). Interpreting what is required for “Regular and substantive interaction.” WCET Frontiers. https://wcetfrontiers.org/2016/09/30/interpreting-regular-and-
substantive-interaction/
Quality Matters. (n.d.). Quality matters: Process. Retrieved June 24, 2021, from https://www.qualitymatters.org/why-quality-matters/process
Smith, A. (2017). Standardization in online education. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/09/15/accreditor-denies-arizona-community-colleges-bid-
expand-online
SNHU. (2015). We drove across the country to celebrate student success [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn6Hz9vQpx8&feature=youtu.be
Starbucks Coffee. (2015). Starbucks College Achievement Plan: Kimmie’s Story [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHKdFVlQUig&feature=youtu.be
Thackaberry, S. (2019. In defense of the LMS. WCET Frontiers. https://wcetfrontiers.org/2017/07/20/in-defense-of-the-lms/
Thackaberry, S. (2021). Types of Institutions Scaling Online [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkaYnXsJy9Q&feature=youtu.be
Voinovich, P. (2019). Holistic Look 2 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyqqopKyiiM&feature=youtu.be

18. Thank you!
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