A Theoretical Framework for Effective Online Learning

Abstract

A key, overarching goal for any committed educator is to ensure that the learner has a meaningful and memorable learning experience while achieving the desired learning outcomes. In this paper it is argued that in order to achieve such a goal, a strategy needs to be put in place that is capable of providing students with a fully integrated, all-encompassing learning environment. The reasoning, simply, is that learning will not necessarily emanate from one specific source and when it happens, it will occur through different means, for different people. One of the great strengths of the online learning space is that, harnessing the power of the various information and communication technologies (ICTs), there is greater scope for catering for individual learning needs. With this in mind, the paper puts forward a framework that comprises a number of overlapping ‘sub-environments’ which, together, provide the scaffolding considered essential for the construction of a truly holistic learning environment. To illustrate how this framework for effective online learning can be operationalised, the authors refer to the case of Universitas 21 Global, an institution which offers completely online programs to post-graduate students in more than 40 countries around the world.

Keywords: Online education, Learning outcomes, Learning environment, U21Global