The first … of many?

I’m starting this blog because I believe that both I and the eLearning sector—particularly within UK universities—are at a critical juncture.

The funding crisis in UK higher education has deep historical and political roots (a topic in itself), and universities are increasingly looking to online and distance education as a means of generating revenue without significant upfront costs. However, when done properly, online and distance education require substantial time, effort, and—crucially—investment. Quality education, whether online or face-to-face, cannot be delivered “on the cheap.”

All too often, online learning is reduced to little more than uploading a collection of PDF files to the virtual learning environment (VLE) and leaving students to navigate them independently. This approach neglects the fact that online and distance education have distinct pedagogical foundations that require expertise, careful design, and a deep understanding of how students engage with digital learning.

My aim with this blog is not simply to criticise or highlight deficiencies—though there are many—but to explore and promote solutions that can lead to meaningful improvements. Who knows? Someone might take notice. I live in hope.