Investigation Into the Selection of Online Learning Platforms and Tools in Higher Education

Selecting and implementing the platforms and tools to support online learning effectively in higher education is currently a challenge for which there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Finding the right balance between supporting strong pedagogy, offering training and support, providing data security and privacy, ensuring ease of use, among other factors, shape the decisions that leaders in higher education make as they develop and implement online learning environments. This chapter explores the results of a study conducted during the Fall of 2016 to better understand the efforts higher education experts undergo to develop online learning environments. The study considers the sometimes-competing pedagogical and pragmatic needs such efforts entail and seeks to identify trends and best practices.