Developing an e-learning strategy in higher education

Purpose - This paper aims to clarify the challenges faced by higher education institutions such as budget cuts and the pressure to offer accessible, affordable anytime/anyplace learning and offer a solution in the form of the development of an e-learning strategy. Design/methodology/approach - The paper explores recent research on higher education and e-learning strategies in an effort to offer a participatory pedagogy coupled with cost effective technology as a solution to overcoming the increase in market demand and socioeconomic pressures facing higher education institutions. Findings - The paper provides pragmatic insights about the five stages of developing an e-learning strategy, including determining the delivery method and technology, making curriculum and development decisions, integrating implementation and roll out strategies and monitoring and evaluating the new e-programs. Research limitations/implications - The chosen research offers an approach as a starting point for developing an e-learning strategy. Further research may be needed to generalize and apply the suggestions to individual higher education institutions. Practical implications - The paper includes implications for higher education institutions and other organizations wishing to explore the option of e-learning as a delivery system for knowledge, training and instruction. Originality/value - This paper fulfils an identified need to study the implications of technology on learning.