Like Alice realizing that nothing in Wonderland worked as she expected, so can it be with marketing online programs from a traditional marketing mindset.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by universities in marketing their online programs, particularly in light of budget cuts and enrollment declines. The discussion highlights the pushback against changes in university structures, the importance of understanding digital marketing, and the evolving role of Online Program Managers (OPMs). The speakers emphasize the need for a student-centric approach in marketing and the complexities involved in transitioning to in-house marketing strategies.

00:00Introduction to Online Education Challenges

03:52Budget Cuts and Institutional Responses

10:21The Shift to In-House Marketing

19:02Understanding Online Marketing Dynamics

24:27Operational Strategies for Online Programs

24:33The Role of OPM Partnerships in University Marketing

30:30Challenges of Program-Specific Marketing

34:18Evaluating the Effectiveness of OPMs

39:28Building Internal Marketing Competence

45:48The Importance of Student-Centric Marketing

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of online education, focusing on student demand, preferences, and the implications of recent trends. The discussion highlights the complexities surrounding the perception of online learning, the impact of OPM relationships, and the need for universities to adapt to changing student needs. Phil, Morgan, and Neil analyze data from various reports, emphasizing the importance of understanding student choices and the potential for blended learning models.

The discussion raises two questions not often addressed: at what levels will online eduction plateau and stop growing, and do any institutions actually market blended or hybrid course experiences?

What was and wasn't prominently discussed at ASU+GSV 2025

In this conversation, Phil Hill, Neil Mosley, and Morgan discuss the recent ASU+GSV Summit and associated AI Show, reflecting on the overall experience, the quality of sessions, and the themes that emerged. They explore the disjunctures in higher education conversations, particularly regarding current challenges and the role of AI. The discussion also touches on the impact of financial turmoil, cultural wars, and the influence of Big Tech on education. The conversation concludes with thoughts on innovative solutions and the future direction of educational practices.

In this episode, Phil Hill discusses the evolving landscape of education policy under the Trump administration, focusing on the what to expect next based on negotiating tactics. The conversation delves into the emotional responses to these policies, the importance of transparency and accountability, and the need for a sector-neutral approach to education outcomes. Key themes include the political influences shaping education policy and the future directions that may emerge as a result of current trends.

Takeaways

• The Trump administration's education policies are complex and multifaceted.
• Emotional responses to education policy can cloud rational analysis.
• Transparency and accountability are crucial in education reform.
• Sector-neutral outcomes are a key focus for future education policies.
• The political landscape heavily influences education policy decisions.
• Higher education institutions must adapt to changing regulations and expectations.
• There is a need for critical thinking in response to education policy changes.
• The role of various stakeholders, including activists, is significant in shaping policy.
• Future education policies will likely focus on workforce alignment and outcomes.

The conversation delves into the complexities and challenges of online international education, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding international students and the financial pressures faced by universities. The speakers discuss trends in recruitment, the importance of understanding different markets, and the need for universities to adapt their strategies to meet the demands of a changing landscape. They emphasize the significance of partnerships and the long-term vision required to succeed in this evolving field.

This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of the Online Program Management (OPM) market, particularly focusing on the shift from revenue share to fee-for-service models. Recent reports present a false narrative, and we don't buy it. The discussion highlights the challenges in defining OPMs, the role of Coursera, and the implications of these changes for educational institutions. We express skepticism about the reported trends and emphasize the need for clearer definitions and understanding of the market dynamics. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of online education, focusing on revenue models, particularly the dominance of revenue share versus fee-for-service arrangements. The speakers discuss the implications of regulatory pressures, the maturity of institutions, and the strategic shifts of platforms like Coursera, which is moving away from traditional degree offerings towards more flexible, unbundled services. The discussion highlights the complexities and nuances of the market, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these dynamics as they continue to evolve.

This conversation delves into the current state of the VLE and LMS market, focusing on financial pressures faced by universities, the impact of government funding, and the dynamics of online learning implementations. The discussion also highlights the role of AI in shaping market changes and the overall trends observed in the education technology landscape.

Predictions for 2025: What Lies Ahead?

In this episode, Phil, Morgan, and Neil discuss various topics related to online education, including the impact of generative AI on the market, predictions for 2025, and the future of language learning apps. They explore the potential for university bankptcies, shifts in assessment practices, and the increasing trend of international online learning. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI in educational platforms and the challenges faced by established companies like edX.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to New Recording Era

02:44 Live Podcast Recording at Leeds University

05:35 Generative AI Panic and Market Reactions

08:19 Impact of AI on Education

11:10 Predictions for 2025: Assessment Trends in Higher Education

13:54 Student Success and Vendor Accountability

16:53 University Closures and Financial Challenges

21:05 The Impact of Online Learning on International Education

24:06 Shifts in VLE and LMS Market Focus

27:23 The Revolving Door in Education Politics

29:54 Challenges for Language Learning Apps

32:28 The Future of edX and University Platforms

36:54 Generative AI's Sustainable Use in EdTech

41:07 New Chapter

Welcome back to another episode of "Online Education Across the Atlantic". In today's episode, our hosts dive into the evolving state of online education in both the US and the UK. As they navigate through recent data, they compare enrollment trends, challenges, and strategic investments that shape the future of online learning. The discussion delves into how the sectors have grown post-COVID, the stability of datasets, and the increasing competitiveness in the online education market.

Phil and Morgan share perspectives on the US market, highlighting how legacy investments have paid off for certain institutions, while Neil provides a UK viewpoint, discussing the impact of financial constraints and the potential for growth. They explore the potential influence of changing administrations on educational policies and the anticipated innovations in international online education.

Join us as we unpack these trends and look ahead to what 2025 holds for online learning.

In this episode of "Online Education Across the Atlantic," we delve into the findings of the UK’s Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, revealing a split in satisfaction between international and UK students. The discussion expands to explore the challenges and benefits of online education, such as program flexibility, student engagement, and the pivotal role of faculty involvement. The episode also examines the effects of COVID-19 on educational expectations, the balance between cohort-based learning and flexibility, and the potential for AI to personalize learning. As the episode closes, the speakers share their holiday traditions, university financial challenges, and critique of the educational rankings, setting the stage for thoughtful considerations as they prepare to reunite in the new year.