Universities are transforming how they deliver education through eLearning. From core degree programmes to essential skills training, digital learning now shapes every aspect of the student experience. Whether it’s engineering students learning theory online before lab work or students completing welfare training modules, eLearning offers universities a scalable, engaging solution that ensures consistent delivery whilst accommodating different preferences, schedules and locations.
Universities have been innovating in distance education for over a century. From correspondence courses and radio broadcasts to the Open University’s pioneering use of television in the 1970s and the emergence of MOOCs twenty years ago, remote learning has continuously evolved. Modern eLearning transforms these approaches with interactive content, instant feedback and personalised learning paths that weren’t possible until now.
What is eLearning for university student learning?
True eLearning goes beyond uploading recorded lectures to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Effective eLearning for university students should be an intentionally designed, interactive learning experience that adheres to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and actively engages students in their own development.
eLearning for university students should combine academic content and instructional design with appropriate visual design and interactivity. It’s delivered through the university’s VLE, providing a central hub where students can access all their learning materials. While recorded lectures certainly have their place as part of the mix, they should be one component of a richer learning ecosystem.
Modern student learning embraces Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring content is accessible and effective for all learners regardless of their abilities or learning preferences. Interactive eLearning modules engage students through quizzes and scenario-based learning, while rapid eLearning can be a cost effective approach for to deliver mobile first learning content.
One of the key advantages is that these resources are reusable each year with minimal updates. This ensures return on investment while maintaining consistency and quality. Rather than recreating and delivering modules and lectures annually, universities can refine and improve existing modules based on student feedback and changing needs.
Why eLearning works for student learning
Here are some key reasons why digital learning has become essential for student development:
- Enabling flipped and blended learning: Students can engage with foundational content through eLearning modules before attending campus for practical labs, tutorials and discussions. This maximises the value of face-to-face time for collaborative work and hands-on learning.
- Flexibility for diverse schedules: Students have a lot on. They might juggle lectures, part-time work, sports and social commitments. eLearning allows them to complete essential learning when it suits them.
- Supporting inclusive learning: Students come from diverse backgrounds with different learning needs, languages and abilities. eLearning provides multiple ways to access content through captions, transcripts and adjustable pacing, ensuring university education is accessible to all students.
- Consistency at scale: Whether training 50 or 5,000 students, eLearning ensures everyone has the same high-quality learning experience. This consistency is crucial to maintain academic standards and quality assurance.
- Cost-effective delivery: Providing academic staff and timetabling campus locations to deliver common training requires a significant amount of resources. Using eLearning to deliver content for all students, such as academic writing, bullying and harassment and consent training can prove more cost effective.
Where eLearning transforms university education
eLearning is reshaping how universities deliver both degree programmes and essential student support. Many institutions now integrate digital learning directly into their core academic courses through blended learning approaches. Universities can use eLearning modules to teach theoretical concepts, allowing students to learn foundational content at their own pace. This frees up valuable campus time for practical laboratories, tutorials and collaborative projects where face-to-face interaction adds the most value.
This blended approach works particularly well for subjects requiring both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Engineering students might complete eLearning modules on circuit theory before attending labs to design and build circuits. Business students could learn accounting principles online, then apply them in classroom case studies. Medical students can use eLearning for anatomy basics before practical sessions with cadavers or clinical simulations.
Beyond core degree content, universities use eLearning to deliver crucial skills and support services that help students thrive throughout their academic journey. These ancillary modules ensure all students receive consistent, high-quality training regardless of their course or campus:
- Academic skills development: eLearning modules on academic writing, referencing, research methods and critical thinking help students excel in their coursework.
- Welfare and safety training: Essential modules on consent, anti-bullying, mental health awareness and equality help create safer campus communities. Scenario-based learning lets students recognise and respond to challenging situations in a safe environment.
- Digital and information literacy: Training on evaluating online sources, using library databases, understanding AI tools and maintaining digital security prepares students for academic work and professional life.
- Practical life skills: Financial literacy, time management, healthy living and study-life balance modules support student wellbeing and success throughout their university journey.
Making eLearning engaging for students
University students may have many competing demands on their time. Here’s how to create eLearning that captures their attention:
- Keep modules bite-sized: Design content that can be completed in 5-20 minute sessions. Students are more likely to engage with shorter modules they can fit between other commitments.
- Use multimedia wisely: Combine short videos, interactive activities and downloadable resources. Avoid long videos or walls of text that can be heavy.
- Mobile-optimised design: Many students will access learning content on phones or tablets. Ensure all interactions work smoothly on touchscreens with content formatted for smaller screens.
Building well-rounded graduates
eLearning enables universities to effectively and efficiently support every aspect of student development. eLearning helps academic institutes fulfil their commitment to developing not just subject experts but confident, capable and well-prepared graduates ready for work and whatever comes next. Talk to us about what we have created for our academic clients and see what we can do for you and your students.
