This summer, Education Dive is providing readers with compilations of stories on a variety of topics that we've published during the past year that provide solutions to challenges facing colleges and universities nationwide. Next up — online learning.

Colleges should consider integrating bootcamps, not view them as threats
Rather than be threatened by bootcamp models, colleges should learn from them and integrate them into their core to better prepare their graduates for a wide variety of jobs, according to Matthew Rascoff, associate vice provost for digital education and innovation at Duke University. He argues that institutions should view bootcamps as programs to even better prepare students for the job market. Read more

Study: Online learning improves retention, graduation rates
A study from Arizona State University suggests that online courses may be better equipped to help retain students and to keep them on the path to graduation.The university examined digital learning trends and outcomes from two public universities, two community colleges and a community college system. It found that three out of four institutions that offered in-person and online courses had higher retention and graduation rates for students who at least enrolled in some digital learning classes. Read more

Personalized learning is for online courses, too
eCornell CEO Paul Krause said his organization, which provides much of Cornell Univerity's online infrastructure and marketing, has laid out a model for massive open online course (MOOCs) providers to look to as an example for monetization. Personalization is important; even in an online or blended space, he said, offering relevant, engaging experiences is the best way to get the desired outcomes for the average students. Read more

How to effectively scale a digital learning model
Several online leaders, during the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's annual conference​, noted four conclusions of an extensive research project on online learning: Take a strategic portfolio approach to digital learning; build capabilities and expertise to design for quality in the digital realm; provide the differential student support to succeed in fully online learning; and engage faculty as true partners, equipping them for success. Read more

​Colleges should consider integrating bootcamps, not view them as threats
Rather than be threatened by bootcamp models, colleges should learn from them and integrate them into their core to better prepare their graduates for a wide variety of jobs, according to Matthew Rascoff, associate vice provost for digital education and innovation at Duke University. He argues that institutions should view bootcamps as programs to even better prepare students for the job market. Read more

Some colleges see online programs as a way to stay afloat
Administrators at one college with three campuses in rural southeastern Minnesota say they can’t rely on traditional students to stay afloat, and have turned to online programs to sustain the institution. Here what the institution is employing. Read more

Report: Colleges to survive through hybrid experience
A new report about how higher education will look in 2040 predicts a blended experience for students where they take courses in the classroom and online for customized engagements in an environment that prioritizes flexibility — and perhaps even enlists them to “subscribe” to its offerings and its support throughout their lives. Read more