eCornell presents online learning session at SXSW EDU

Members of eCornell’s leadership team presented “Personalizing the Online Learning Experience” to nearly 400 education leaders from across the world at the SXSW EDU Conference and Festival March 5 in Austin, Texas. The session proposal was selected from more than 1,400 submissions.

eCornell, which began 17 years ago with the goal of designing, developing and delivering best-in-class online courses, set itself apart from other education models by embracing a highly personalized and engaging learning experience, they said.

This experience begins with enrollment counselors, the first points of contact students have at eCornell, who engage in discussions with students and offer guidance as they learn about students’ career goals to curate the right experience for them.

“Placing the right students into the right programs creates a richer experience so that when they’re in their courses, they can have valuable exchanges and tie all learning back to their personal experience,” said Sally Berkowitz, director of product management,.

Facilitated peer-to-peer discussions provide an opportunity for students to learn from their professors and fellow classmates. This interaction creates accountability and a support system that makes the learning experience communal.

“A favorite part of the course is the opportunity to engage with peers in a meaningful way,” said Paul Krause ’91, CEO.

Feedback from experts is highly personalized for individual students, and serves as a source of motivation that drives higher completion rates, said Chad Oliveiri, vice president of curriculum development: “We don’t script for faculty. We feel this creates an authenticity within the courses that our students really value.”

Listen to their talk here.

- Kristi Gaylord

Media Contact

Lindsey Knewstub