ONLINE EDUCATION
I n today’s globalised world, online education plays a crucial role in bridging geographical boundaries, providing learners from diverse backgrounds with equal access to quality education. It enables individuals to upskill and gain knowledge at their own pace, fostering lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy. Moreover, online education supports inclusivity by offering flexible opportunities that cater to various learning styles and personal circumstances, making education more accessible and equitable worldwide. Optimising curriculum design Curriculum design is pivotal in online education; London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) prioritises integrating up-to‑date content, emphasising digitalisation, AI and global business strategies to ensure relevance and impact in today’s dynamic environment. The programmes provide a curated assortment of specific activities and materials, as well as offering opportunities for interaction between students and faculty. LSBF renders substantial online support through online libraries, writing centres and disability services. Each of these elements is designed to ensure that the learning experience is seamless and effective. Data from various 2023 surveys indicates a 91 per cent overall positive experience among students. There has been notable improvement in feedback regarding academic content, tasks and tutors, academic resources, student voice and the ease of navigating our learning platform. Additionally, LSBF graduates enjoy an employment rate of 93 per cent, demonstrating that recently implemented initiatives have significantly enhanced the quality of educational experience and outcomes. The integration of technology is essential for the success of online learning initiatives. Technology’s immense impact on higher education is expected to continue in the coming years (see Dickson Mdhlalose & Gloria Mlambo’s article, Integration of Technology in Education and its Impact on Learning and Teaching ). The facilitation of learner-centred and self-directed learning is one key advantage of integrating technology. LSBF applies an advanced learning management system called Canvas. The platform allows students to access course materials, assignments, study materials and a host of online discussions and activities. The institution has begun integrating AI tools, such as Keath.ai, which provide rapid and precise assessments while allowing instructors the flexibility to adjust scores and add personalised feedback. The importance of good resources The hallmark of an effective online learning programme is the promotion of an interactive learning environment. Flexible online educational settings foster interactive learning, which is enhanced
by student autonomy, co-operative learning and adaptive course correction (see the article by Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Dizza Beimel and Arava Tsoury entitled Using a Variety of Interactive Learning Methods to Improve Learning Effectiveness ). LSBF’s learning resources based on games and videos help to keep students engaged and motivated. The school facilitates synchronous sessions for its online programmes via Microsoft Teams to allow students across the world to participate in live lectures and interact with their tutors and peers. In addition, the institution has implemented a variety of collaborative tools, discussion forums and a number of café-type platforms designed to promote peer interaction. The prioritisation of interactive learning in the online courses provided at our institution ensures that learners gain holistic perspectives and engage with diverse cultures and points of view. Students are able to access a variety of online library resources, such as Perlego, in addition to numerous research tools. Initially, LSBF relied on individual providers for journals and other publications, without offering textbooks to students. However, student feedback consistently highlighted the need for access to core textbooks. Given the globally dispersed student body of LSBF, finding physical textbooks was challenging. Recognising this need, the school sought out e-book providers and ultimately partnered with Perlego (often referred to as the ‘Spotify of textbooks’) due to its shared commitment to a student-centric learning experience. This collaboration has helped in meeting the demands of students, ensuring they have easy access to essential textbooks regardless of their location, thereby significantly improving their academic experience. The school has installed a state-of-the-art intercom that includes instant message and chat services with student support personnel who offer pastoral care and administrative services. It should be noted that LSBF provides its students with live guidance sessions on the utilisation of Canvas, as well as skills and referencing workshops. These sessions also cover plagiarism, Turnitin processes and the application of AI. Moreover, LSBF has prioritised the curation and maintenance of study centres offering students a wide variety of academic learning resources that cover the entire length of every individual’s studies.
Business Impact • ISSUE 3 • 2024 19
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