Abstract

Many demands are currently placed on online learning in higher education. While we may not realise it, we have entered the perfect electric storm, where technology, the art of teaching, and the needs of learners are converging. As such, this paper explores dozens of emerging learning technologies that are generating waves of new opportunities in online learning environments. In addition, this manuscript reviews trends in online enrolments, programs, and degrees in colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. To help create engaging content, pedagogical activities are outlined for synchronous and asynchronous learning with estimates of the degree of instructor risk and time as well as technological cost. Such activities focus on experiences that are rich in collaboration, interaction, and motivation. Finally, in the fourth storm, budgetary cutbacks are discussed which are restricting how colleges and universities can respond to these emerging technologies, enormous learner demands, and enhancements in pedagogy. These lean fiscal times are forcing institutions of higher learning to explore innovative projects and partnerships, including open source software solutions. Throughout the document, recent survey data projecting the future of online learning in higher education is presented. Due to its length the Observatory will publish this report in two parts. ‘The Perfect E-Storm, Part 1’ will include Storm #1 and #2 (published week of June 21, 2004), while ‘The Perfect E-Storm, Part 2’ will include Storm #3 and #4 and concluding remarks (published week of June 28, 2004). Both parts are published under the same title and include the full set of references at the end of the document.