Abrupt Shift to Online Learning - A Tale of Two Very Different Academic Environments

Audience Level: 
Intermediate
Session Time Slot(s): 
Institutional Level: 
Other
Streamed: 
Streamed
Special Session: 
Blended
Leadership
Abstract: 

There are core principles that apply to the infrastructure of online learning environments.  When placed in a scenario where institutions rapidly adopt online learning, these principles are put to the test.  This session will share a case study of two very different institutions grappling with online learning environments in K-12 and Higher Education. 

Extended Abstract: 

There are core principles that apply to the infrastructure of online learning environments.  When placed in a scenario where institutions rapidly adopt online learning, these principles are put to the test.  This session will share a case study of two very different institutions grappling with online learning environments in K-12 and Higher Education.  There are many comparisons and contrasting elements that relate to governance, student satisfaction, faculty/instructor support, and resources.  Yet despite these elements, there are commonalities that represent the foundational aspects of all online learning environments. 

 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, these two institutions (like everyone else) quickly pivoted to online learning formats.  Given the governmental structure of K-12 and Higher Education, the ability to pivot had similarities and significant differences.  In addition to governance, instructional design measures will be discussed.  The type of instructor/faculty support shared commonalities in relation to design principles.  In contrast, the level of instructional design support was not comparable as resources provided to the institutions were significantly different. 

 

Student performance and satisfaction was highly impacted at both institutions and administration dealt with these challenges through various methods.  Communication methods and frequency is analyzed and will be debated as to what worked well and what should have been improved.  Lastly parental involvement was a component of the online learning environment.  This study compares the role of parents from two unique lenses: the role of the parent and the role of the student parent. 

 

The presenters will share the case studies of two schools in Atlanta, Georgia showcasing the commonalities and contrasts of providing online education.  One school is an elementary school and the other is a business school within a university. 

 

The session will conclude with the case study outcomes, takeaways, and lessons learned.  Administrators and institutional leaders will profit from the results presented.  Likewise, attendees will gain insights and recognize how to benefit from a crisis. 

Conference Session: 
Concurrent Session 1
Conference Track: 
Leadership and Institutional Strategy
Session Type: 
Education Session
Intended Audience: 
Administrators
Faculty