Ten simple rules for supporting a temporary online pivot in higher education.

Area of Science:

• Education
• Online Learning Pedagogy
• Higher Education Crisis Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption to academic institutions globally.
• Contingency plans are being developed for the 2020-2021 academic year, including a pivot to online delivery for face-to-face programs.
• This transition impacts all levels of education, from foundational degrees to professionally accredited courses.

Discussion:

• Institutions face the challenge of delivering accessible, fair, and equitable online teaching and assessment.
• The temporary nature of this pivot requires balancing established online learning pedagogy with practical crisis-driven needs.
• No universal solution exists, necessitating tailored approaches for individual institutions, programs, and courses.

Key Insights:

• Developing effective online learning strategies requires a deep understanding of student needs and pedagogical best practices.
• Balancing accessibility, equity, and quality in remote education is paramount during this transitional period.
• The crisis highlights the need for flexible and adaptable educational frameworks to address future disruptions.

Outlook:

• This paper offers foundational principles to guide global discussions on effective online education strategies.
• It emphasizes the importance of integrating online learning pedagogy with practical considerations for crisis situations.
• The insights aim to support institutions in navigating the current academic year and preparing for future uncertainties.