Yesterday, Inside Higher Ed launched Inside Digital Learning, a weekly newsletter providing in depth coverage of technology and the learning experience. Featured in the first newsletter was a study conducted by Dr. Eric Fredericksen, Vice President of the Online Learning Consortium’s Board of Directors and Associate Vice President of Online Learning and Associate Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Rochester. Fredericksen’s survey was sent to 820 leaders who oversee digital learning at institutions across the country, of which 255 responded and provided insight to better understand online learning within the context and strategies of their institutions. From the outset, the study revealed and resolved a secondary focus – the lack of clarity surrounding the identification of digital learning leaders.
Fredericksen was grateful for the participation by so many valued colleagues across the country, “This study endeavored to help our field, our community, and higher education in general, with developing an understanding of the leaders who are guiding this critical academic transformation. The synthesis of the data about the individuals and their experience leads to a composite description of a very seasoned leader with a blend of essential experience. This study highlights the vital importance of having a very experienced and skillful leader in this role.”
The study’s findings provided the foundation for OLC’s Leadership Network, a bi-annual event for senior leaders in the field of online learning that focuses on pressing leadership issues and provides networking opportunities for this often time unique leader. The Leadership Network launched at the OLC Accelerate Conference in November 2016 where he presented results of the study. Fredericksen will present again on this topic at OLC Innovate in April and the findings shape the agenda for the second Leadership Network convening in April New Orleans. Fredericksen plans to publish the findings in the near future.
- To learn more about the OLC Innovate Leadership Network please contact Dr, Jill Buban, OLC’s Sr. Director of Research & Innovation
- Learn more about Dr. Fredericksen’s presentation at OLC Innovate
- Learn more about OLC’s emerging leadership program,the Institute for Emerging Leaders in Online Learning (IELOL)