Episode Description

Dr. Dirk Riechers discusses his journey into online education and the changes he has witnessed over the years. He highlights the shift in perception of online learning before and after the pandemic, as well as the increased recognition and importance of online education. Dr. Riechers also emphasizes the need for a variety of modalities in online learning to cater to different learning styles and preferences. He discusses the challenges and benefits of online teaching, including the high-touch nature of online classes and the potential for burnout. Additionally, he addresses the issue of compensation for online instructors and the changing preferences of students towards online learning. The conversation explores the role of instructional designers in online education and the importance of course design and aesthetics. It also discusses the myths and misconceptions about online learning, the challenges and improvements in learning management systems (LMS), the use of AI in education, and strategies for online colleges to stand out. The conversation concludes with a discussion on in-house vs. outsourced services and the duration of contracts with LMS companies.