Lincoln Connected

A case study

Abstract

Online education is no longer a growing trend and is now an accepted delivery model with more and more institutions offering academic programs of study online. Presented as a single-case study, this paper outlines one Aotearoa New Zealand institution’s decision to begin offering an online learning program, the Lincoln Connected Initiative. The initiative aimed to increase the institution’s enrolment by developing online learning content, implementing new administrative programs, enhancing technological systems and developing support resources for both staff and students. From this work, there were four main lessons learned: implementation of a strong administrative model, early project and change management, adequate staff resourcing and development, and continuous content development. Since its implementation, this initiative has successfully launched numerous academic programs, updated its systems and development tools, implemented support resources for students and staff and aims to reach its goal of achieving 15% of its full-time equivalent students being enrolled in an online program by 2024.