Chapter 6: Changing to Online Learning: A Close-up View with a Wide-angle Lens

This chapter reports on the results of four years of doctoral research involving case studies with individuals, groups, and institutions involved in the process of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning in higher education. The research focus was inspired by a small study investigating the way in which students could learn cooperatively using computer-mediated communication. Arising from this, lessons learned about the significance of purpose, context, nature, and design of courses involving ICT encouraged further studies with the aim of obtaining a holistic view of the change process. The research has involved a wide focus, involving organizational and cultural contexts of institutions, as well as a sharper focus that highlighted student support for online learners in a single case study. Discussion reflects this aspect by including general findings regarding the change process and specific issues arising from the analysis of online tutors’ perspectives. The conclusions, which indicate the need for flexibility, collaboration, and continual evaluation and development, may assist institutions, course designers, and tutors who have begun making this move.