Redefining Value in Online Learning: Strategies for Universities to Thrive

Dear friends, colleagues and educationists,

Over the past few years, I’ve watched universities struggle to navigate the complex terrain of online learning. Some have taken bold strides forward, embracing new possibilities, while others have stumbled, unsure of how to make online education truly work for their students.

What I’ve come to realize is this: value is at the heart of everything. If universities don’t deliver real, tangible value to their learners, they risk irrelevance in an increasingly competitive and globalized education landscape.

Meeting Learners Where They Are: More Than Just Access

Online education isn’t just about making courses available—it’s about making them meaningful. Too often, institutions launch programs based on assumptions about demand without truly understanding what students need. I’ve seen firsthand how this leads to courses that fail to engage, inspire, or provide real-world utility.

One of the biggest mistakes universities make is mispricing their offerings for international learners. A massive online student market exists, but it’s not just about sheer numbers; it’s about affordability and perceived return on investment. If students can’t justify the cost, they won’t enroll—no matter how prestigious the institution.

Learning from Past Mistakes: Avoiding Short-Term Thinking

I’ve seen universities pour resources into online learning initiatives, only to let them wither away due to shifting institutional priorities. It reminds me of the rise (and fall) of MOOCs—so much initial enthusiasm, so little long-term vision.

For universities to truly succeed, online education can’t be treated as an experimental side project. It has to be woven into the very fabric of the institution. That means continuous investment in learning design, instructional technology, and faculty training—not just a one-time push to get courses online.

Standing Out in a Sea of Sameness

Let’s be honest: most online programs look and feel the same. The differentiation problem is real. I’ve spoken to countless students who are exhausted by generic online courses that fail to excite or challenge them. What they want is relevance. They want to graduate knowing their education has prepared them for a rapidly changing world.

What works? Programs that:

• Integrate real-world industry projects—not just theoretical assignments.
• Leverage partnerships with global companies to boost employability.
• Offer high-quality student support that mirrors the on-campus experience.
• Embrace stackable credentials that let students build towards a degree on their own terms.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Silver Bullet

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen universities invest in new Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) thinking it will solve all their problems. The truth? A new platform won’t fix bad course design.

Technology is an enabler, not a solution. What really matters is how universities use it to create engaging, human-centered learning experiences. Faculty training, course structure, and student interaction strategies should be the priority—everything else is secondary.

AI in Higher Education: A Game-Changer or a Risk?

I can’t talk about the future of online learning without addressing AI. It’s everywhere, and it’s reshaping how we think about education. AI-powered tools can personalize learning, streamline administration, and even provide 24/7 student support. But there’s a risk, too—one I often think about.

If AI is used poorly, it can strip away the human connection that makes education meaningful. Universities need to be careful: AI should enhance learning, not replace the relationships that students build with their instructors and peers. If we lose that, we lose what makes education special.

The Value Imperative

Higher education is at a crossroads. The old way of doing things—massive enrollment, undifferentiated courses, and passive learning—isn’t sustainable. Universities that don’t rethink their approach to online education will be left behind.

The ones that succeed will be those that:

• Truly align their programs with learner and market needs.
• Commit to online learning for the long haul—not as a trend but as a core strategy.
• Stand out through innovative, career-focused learning experiences.
• Use technology wisely—to enhance, not replace, quality teaching.
• Approach AI with a human-first mindset, ensuring that education remains personal.

The future of online learning isn’t just about growth. It’s about impact. It’s about creating experiences that genuinely transform students’ lives. And if universities don’t step up to that challenge, someone else will.

Best,

Sarah.