Seismic Shifts in the Online Learning Environment in Higher Education

Abstract

Significant shifts have occurred in higher education over the last two decades. The number of online courses colleges and universities offer has been increasing exponentially. Notably, addressing the increasing number of students enrolling in these online programs has heightened the need for more adjunct instructors teaching in online learning environments. To promote student success in these virtual environments, colleges and universities recognize the necessity of providing support such as professional development to online adjunct instructors. This chapter provides an overview of how higher education institutions can help adjunct instructors succeed in these virtual learning environments while improving student experiences and academic outcomes. Additionally, this chapter presents recommendations for adjunct instructors regarding how to teach successfully in nontraditional classroom environments.