Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

Higher Education systems globally are subject to regulation and require accreditation for offering degrees. Regulators tend to work at a national level and are responsible for the following with regard to Higher Education:

• funding
• quality assurance
• accreditation
• professionalisation
• networking/development
• transformation and redress
• commission research - data and research management.

Generally, the state as an entity is the main regulator of public Higher Education.

Online learning

Online learning gives students access to their courses from a remote location. They can complete learning activities and assessments online that is equivalent to an on-campus course (UNSW, 2015).

Digital learning

Digital learning is any type of learning facilitated by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology. Digital learning occurs across all learning areas and domains. It covers the application of a wide spectrum of practices including: blended and virtual learning. (Education and Training, 2015).

Blended learning

Blended learning uses various combinations of traditional face-to-face learning experiences with online and mobile technologies. Blended learning can, but doesn’t have to, occur at the same time as face-to-face. These days many universities provide blended and online courses It is now one of the most significant technological trends driving educational change in higher education institutions (Johnson, et al., 2016, p. 1).

Blended learning can support student-centred approaches to learning. It enables teachers to move material that would usually be covered in class into the online or mobile environment, sharing the responsibility for learning with the student. The online components and the face-to-face time need to be integrated so that the learning experience is connected in the two modes. This requires a thoughtful course design to make the best use of both contexts.

Flipped learning

A specific form of blended learning, is where online materials are provided prior to a face-to-face session. Online materials are provided in a range for formats, including: video lecture, links to web-based resources such as YouTube videos, webinars, and web-based reading materials including slides. The face-to-face session then draws on the content from that pre-read material.

Source: www.futurelearn.com