Digital Learning In Higher Education 'Lessons From America'

Abstract

The U.S. is the undisputed leader in digital (online and distance) higher education. 5.8 million students are taking at least one digital course, and some 2.7 million higher education students are studying exclusively via digital. Furthermore, growth in digital learning continues, even as higher education enrolments overall are declining (Allen et al., 2016; NCES, 2014; Ginder et al., 2015). What can European higher education institutions learn from this U.S. experience? In this research the author focuses on; the drivers of growth in digital learning, impact on learning outcomes, and institutional costs.