Harvard University dean calls for more collaborative online study

As more working students opt for university study online, what’s the secret sauce for success? A Harvard University dean insists collaboration is the key.

Harvard University says collaboration is the key to successful online study.

A Harvard University dean has offered tips on quality control to Australian universities hoping to lure more workers into part-time tertiary study.

Nancy Coleman, Harvard’s dean of continuing education, has wrapped up a week-long visit to discuss international collaborations with Australian institutions, including the universities of Sydney and Queensland.

Representing one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Ms Coleman believes the key is to offer high-quality and engaging courses that blend online convenience with face-to-face collaboration.

“There’s this false concept of the online learner sitting at their dining room table at three o’clock in the morning by themselves getting their coursework done,’’ she said.

“That may have been true 15 or 20 years ago but it’s not anymore.

“It has to be intentionally designed as a hybrid or online experience – putting the camera at the back of a classroom isn’t necessarily the most optimal ­experience.

“We really believe in this concept of human-centric online learning … there are always live sessions with the faculty, and students really value that.’’

Harvard University’s dean of continuing education Nancy Coleman

Harvard offers its online courses worldwide, so they are designed to accommodate students tuning in at any time of day or night.

“We are very intentional in our assessment design that we build in opportunities for students to learn from one another, be that through group projects or discussion boards or facilitated sessions where people can hear from other students in the class,’’ Ms Coleman said.

“One of the beautiful elements of having this online global classroom is you’ve got students from all parts of the world, with all levels of experience, that are really adding their perspective to the class and bringing content to life.’’

Harvard recently introduced an “interactive classroom’’ tool that lets students live-chat with each other while they watch a recorded lecture.

“We have a tool that allows the student to watch the lecture and then in real time it will tell you if anyone else is online with you,’’ she said.

“You can have a chat with them, watch a lecture with them and work on an assignment with them. There can be real-time collaboration.

“We have tremendously positive feedback from students.’’

Ms Coleman said universities’ online offerings had to cater to different learning styles.

“Some people learn better on their own,’’ she said.

“But the chance to share something with your neighbour – whether your neighbour’s sitting in a chair next to you or someplace else in the world – and just bounce ideas off one another or further develop a thought is tremendously helpful.’’