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Times of crisis call for innovative thinkers

15 December, 2020 | by Matt Parker

When we decided to undertake a written series dissecting the OES approach to innovation this year, it was unbeknownst to us that innovation would be accelerated at a pace unseen since the years succeeding the Global Financial Crisis.

Times of crisis require disruptive thinkers more than ever, ready and willing to find innovative solutions to the myriad of problems presented.

At OES, we have no shortage of disruptive thinkers.

Our sales & marketing team are revolutionising online education recruitment through a progressive approach to personalisation and embracing technology as an enabler of human interaction and seamless enrolment practices.

Our learning design and student insights teams are similarly keeping one foot in front of the personalisation curve to empower students to feel supported in achieving their study goals, all the while using interactive video to simply and effectively engage students with complex concepts.

Our teaching teams have remained committed to developing student resilience and promoting wellbeing in a digital environment through self-efficacy and data-driven engagement tools, and advanced academic integrity. We know that the provision of education and support is the most effective enabler to helping students finish their degrees with integrity.

Back in March, I wrote that in today’s world an ability to innovate is integral to the success of any business. By September 2020, more than 50 per cent of university courses globally were being taught completely online, up to 55 per cent by November (QS Higher Education in 2020: How COVID-19 Shaped this Year report). The ability to innovate has never been more prevalent and important.

Online learning has become a pivotal part of the educational experience, as universities have sought to limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus. When it is safe for on-campus learning to resume, it is likely universities will form a more blended approach to learning.

OES is well-positioned, armed with a deep knowledge of the pedagogy behind a successful online learning experience, to be a leader in promoting and driving innovation. In 2021, we will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver fully online student experiences, and with our industry as it undergoes a major transition to discover it’s ‘new normal’.