Thanks to rapid vaccine distribution and the CDC’s new mask guidance, in-person instruction returned en masse to universities across the country this fall. But that doesn’t mean university programs with multiple learning modalities will fade away.
The pandemic caused universities to pivot and move most instruction online, but it also demonstrated the new educational possibilities multiple learning modalities can create. Online programming offered flexibility and convenience that many students never had before, making higher education more accessible. And with greater accessibility, universities reached new student populations.
Although most universities will have the ability to safely offer in-person classes this fall, most students want more flexible learning options moving forward. Universities that don’t offer programs with multiple learning modalities will risk losing enrollment opportunities with today’s learners–especially in major metropolitan areas where students have more abundant options.
Consequences of inflexibility
Learning flexibility has been a longstanding issue in higher education. Historically, in-person learning programs favor students who have the means to live on or travel to campus.
This narrow learning model discourages students who have personal commitments like a job or familial responsibilities from accessing on-campus learning. This is especially true for older students — only 11.4 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds and 2.3 percent of adults aged 35 or older are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Strict in-person learning programs also disadvantage students who experience unexpected life events and students from rural populations that don’t have convenient access to a college campus. For example, let’s say a student needs to move back home for a semester to take care of a sick family member. Without flexible online or hybrid education options, they’re often forced to put their education on hold and wait until the next class cycle to continue their courses.
Accessibility to higher education was a pervasive issue before the pandemic. But with the recent developments in hybrid and online learning, it doesn’t need to be.
The critical opportunities of multiple learning modalities
The shift to online and hybrid learning won’t be a blip on the radar in the history of higher education–it will be the way of the future. Universities have a valuable opportunity to meet the needs of current and future students while also making education more accessible to diverse student demographics. Here’s why multiple modality programs are the future of higher education.
- Increased student enrollment
Multiple modalities mean more options for students–and more options for students can translate to greater enrollment and diversity.
We’re already seeing the proof of this concept. When most universities reduced in-person learning for the fall 2020 semester, enrollment at primarily online institutions saw a 7 percent increase for the same period. In addition, enrollment for online higher education institutions rose by 2.2 percent for the spring 2021 semester. And part-time education programs, which provide another accessible pathway for students, grew by 5.1 percent at online-based schools. Unity College in Maine also saw record enrollment after shifting its entire class structure to hybrid and online learning.
Universities can adjust their programming to meet the growth trends seen across institutions. For example, Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program is available to students on campus, online or in a combination of both settings. This structure allows students to learn in the environment that best suits their week-to-week schedule.
- More diverse student populations
Online education technology enables faculty to connect with students from almost anywhere, which can lead to greater diversity in university student bodies.
Geography no longer needs to dictate the educational program a student chooses. If a student from Idaho is interested in a program from a university in Boston, online learning can make that wish a reality without forcing the student to move. As a result, programs can expand their student cohort and open the door to a richer learning experience for everyone.
As hybrid programs make accessibility easier for more learners, classroom discussions can benefit from students with a variety of life and career experiences. Unity College saw this happen when it changed learning models–the average age of its student body jumped from 19 to 30 years of age since the start of the pandemic.
- Real-world alignment
Higher education institutions should be designed for students to succeed in real-world industries. With many companies moving to full-time remote or hybrid work models, multiple modality education programs can help prepare students for this new normal.
By learning in online and hybrid learning environments, students can learn to work collaboratively in a similar virtual setting, preparing them for their future careers. So instead of being caught off guard by a professional remote or hybrid work environment, students can be ready to thrive in it.
Universities can get a head start on the new normal of higher education by investing in multiple learning modalities and making education more accessible for the long run. By offering flexible learning environments, institutions can set themselves up for greater enrollment, achieve more diverse student populations and align program structures with industry work models.
Kyle Shea serves as Executive Vice President, Partnership Development, at All Campus. As one of the founding members of All Campus, Kyle oversees the management of partnership development, research and consulting with leading, traditional higher education institutions. In addition, he manages the company’s corporate partnerships development with Fortune 1,000 companies.
David Chiscon serves as Director of Enrollment at All Campus, coaching and providing training to a team of talented enrollment specialists to ensure they deliver a high level of service to the company’s partner universities. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, David is dedicated to meeting unique enrollment goals and consistently looks for ways to exceed them.
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