As higher education continues to evolve, online education remains a dynamic and growing sector, both nationally and within Texas. Here are some of the latest headlines in online higher education, and what they could mean for Sam Houston State University.
National Updates: New Directions in Online Learning
1. Pearson’s AI Integration in Education Products
Pearson recently announced a 5% boost in sales due to AI-enhanced study tools used by over 5 million students. AI is transforming how students engage with learning materials, making content more interactive and personalized. For SHSU, this demonstrates the potential for AI to deepen student engagement and outcomes in online learning. Integrating AI tools into our courses—whether for study support or course interaction—could enhance student retention and satisfaction.
2. 2U’s Financial Challenges and Changing Student Demand
The story of 2U, an online program provider, highlights challenges in the market: high tuition, evolving student interests, and competition are creating headwinds. SHSU can take note of this as a call to prioritize affordable, career-aligned online programs that meet the needs of today’s diverse student population. By aligning our programs with workforce demands and ensuring that tuition remains competitive, we can sustain and grow our online student base.
3. Employer-Funded Education Programs: Disney’s Aspire Program
Corporate giants like Disney are investing in fully-paid online degree programs for employees, targeting underserved groups. SHSU has a unique opportunity here to partner with Texas-based businesses and offer affordable online degree programs that equip employees with practical, career-relevant skills. By exploring partnerships with local and state employers, we can position ourselves as a premier educational partner for employee upskilling and development.
Texas Highlights: A Local Shift Toward Online and Tech-Driven Learning
1. Texas State University’s New Online Programs
Beginning January 2025, Texas State University will launch 18 new online bachelor’s and master’s programs, focusing on high-demand fields like communications and nursing. This move reflects a state-wide trend to attract more students through flexible online options. SHSU can learn from this and consider expanding our own online offerings in areas where demand aligns with Texas workforce needs. Growth in these programs not only serves our students but also strengthens our institution’s role in addressing critical workforce shortages.
2. University of Texas at San Antonio’s New AI-Focused College
UTSA is preparing to launch a college dedicated to AI, cybersecurity, and data science by 2025. This proactive response to the growing demand for technology professionals underscores the strategic advantage of early investment in emerging fields. At SHSU, incorporating data science and AI-driven content across various disciplines could add value to our online programs and make our graduates more competitive.
3. Online Enrollment Growth at Texas Community Colleges
At Lone Star College, online enrollments have surged, with 72% of students taking at least one online course. The growing demand for online learning at community colleges signals a broader shift in student preferences towards flexibility and remote learning options. SHSU can leverage this trend by strengthening our online offerings and pathways that enable students to transition seamlessly from community college to our online bachelor’s and graduate programs.
What These Trends Mean for SHSU
The online education landscape is one of the few remaining areas of growth in higher education. As we see enrollments decline across traditional on-campus programs nationally, online education continues to grow and offer opportunities for institutions that are prepared to meet students’ demands for flexibility and career-oriented programming.
SHSU Online: Your Partner in Online Growth
SHSU Online is here to support faculty and administrators who want to take advantage of this growth potential. Whether through new online program development, AI-driven course enhancements, or industry partnerships, our team is equipped to help you adapt to and thrive within this evolving environment. Now is an ideal time to expand SHSU’s online portfolio and work collaboratively to design programs that meet students’ academic and career aspirations.
Together, let’s continue to make SHSU a leader in online education and help drive our institution’s mission to serve students where they are, enabling their success in an increasingly digital world. Please reach out to SHSU Online for support with program development, instructional design, and integrating new technologies that enhance the online learning experience.
Citations
Pearson's AI Integration
- Reuters. (2024, October 29). UK's Pearson reports 5% underlying sales growth in Q3. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/uks-pearson-reports-5-underlying-sales-growth-q3-2024-10-29
2U's Financial Challenges
- Wall Street Journal. (2024, October). Education technology company 2U faces financial struggles. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/education-technology-2u-debt-e7218eeb
Employer-Funded Education Programs: Disney's Aspire Program
- Financial Times. (2024, October). Disney and employer-funded online degrees. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/926f291d-ad5d-4214-b3e8-fecea556c415
Texas State University's Online Expansion
- Government Technology. (2024, October). Texas State University adds 18 new online programs. Retrieved from https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/texas-state-university-adds-18-new-online-programs
University of Texas at San Antonio's AI College
- Texas Tribune. (2024, March 12). University of Texas at San Antonio to open new AI-focused college. Retrieved from https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/12/texas-higher-education-ai
Online Enrollment Growth at Lone Star College
- Inside Higher Ed. (2023, November 20). Online enrollments spike at Texas community colleges. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/community-colleges/2023/11/20/online-enrollments-spike-community-colleges