11 December 2024 Lincoln University online learning wins at 2024 LearnX Awards

Lincoln University’s asynchronous online learning platform has received international recognition for its engaging and interactive content, winning two awards at LearnX 2024.

With various courses including the Diploma in Horticultural Business, postgraduate certificates and Masters degrees available, the hard work of the Online Learning team has been recognised by being awarded the Platinum Award for Best EdTech - Blended Learning and the Platinum Award for Best eLearning Design - Video. This follows on from the success at LearnX 2022 where the team won the Platinum Award – Online Learning Model and Platinum Award – Best Hybrid Learning.

“We have always been firmly focused on delivering content to our online students that allows them to feel they belong to a community of learners. In the past, online learning can feel lonely, rather than involved and engaging. Now, we offer a high degree of interaction with content, other tauira and lecturers,” says Terry Meechang, Lincoln University’s Manager of Online Learning.

“I am most proud of the look and function of the online courses which are unique to us. Every course has 12 modules containing at least 14 videos. Every video creates a social presence – that is – a sense of belonging for the student. Lincoln is known for its personable delivery of its courses which we have extended online. We show lecturers discussing topics in real environments – whether on a farm or in the mountains.”

The Platinum Award for Best EdTech - Blended Learning recognises the interactive and immersive environments created within online courses. This includes, for example, 360-degree online interactive activities to help students understand a topic as if transporting them to that location while also offering key information at different points.

The Platinum Award for Best eLearning Design – Video acknowledges the online team’s enormous efforts in creating a social presence with videos throughout the course to make students feel connected.

“Online learning adds to Lincoln’s offerings, catering for students who can’t come onto campus and need greater flexibility. A high portion of our online students are currently working, so this type of learning has allowed us to offer education to more people. This is reflected in enrolment figures at Lincoln, with online learning contributing to student growth.”