As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, colleges and universities are increasingly turning to online education as a way to reach a wider audience and provide more flexible learning options for students. In recent years, many institutions have partnered with Online Program Management companies (OPMs) to help them develop and deliver online courses and programs. However, a recent article from EdSurge News suggests that colleges may need to rethink their reliance on OPMs in light of recent changes in the online education market.
According to the article, OPMs have traditionally played a key role in helping colleges navigate the complexities of online education, providing services such as course design, marketing, and student support. However, as the online education market has become more competitive and technology has advanced, some colleges are beginning to question the value of these partnerships. In particular, colleges are concerned about the high costs associated with OPMs and the lack of control they have over their online programs.
In response to these concerns, some colleges are taking steps to build their own online education capabilities in-house. For example, some institutions are investing in training and professional development for their faculty to help them develop and deliver high-quality online courses. Others are partnering with technology companies to develop custom online learning platforms that meet their specific needs.
While these efforts are promising, the article suggests that many colleges still have a long way to go in terms of preparing for an online education landscape without OPMs. For example, colleges may need to invest in new technologies and infrastructure to support online learning, as well as develop new strategies for marketing and recruiting online students. Additionally, colleges will need to find ways to ensure that their online programs are of high quality and meet the needs of their students.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of colleges being proactive in preparing for an online education landscape without OPMs. By investing in their own online education capabilities and developing new strategies for success, colleges can ensure that they remain competitive in the rapidly changing higher education market.