This year has been something of a paradox for the VLE market in UK higher education. While there has been plenty to report on within the big four companies that dominate this market, there have been barely any major changes by universities regarding which virtual learning environment (VLE) they use.

Those who are tempted to view the online international student market as a massive opportunity solely based on the large and appealing numbers often presented, really need to consider how pricing affects the total addressable market.

Perhaps the overarching lesson is the need to avoid short-termism. It was this mindset that drove an in-out cycle of engagement with online learning during the 2010s, failing to yield the kind of long-term benefits that could have left some universities in a much stronger position for the remainder of the 2020s.

2024 has been another year of increasing focus on online learning from UK universities. This has been reflected in the increasing number of partnerships with online education companies and the growth of online degrees, sub-degree courses, and portfolios.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this quarter brought more online education announcements from UK universities. It also brought cost-cutting measures and announcements from some online education companies, reflecting that universities are not the only ones facing financial challenges.

This may be where, through online elective modules, collaboration might be worth exploring. This would entail reciprocal arrangements that involve two or more universities effectively offering online elective modules for each other's degree programmes.

Of all the VLE companies, D2L’s messaging is a lot stronger on teaching and learning, and this will be appealing to that fraternity in the UK, particularly when combined with the strategic investment in content interactivity and activity types.

Universities will need to become far more effective and strategic to develop an online education proposition for India that is appealing, accessible, and offers a high-quality experience.

What is largely evident across Welsh universities is a general lack of an institutional strategy and cohesive, university-wide approaches to online learning.

Instructure is well positioned to remain highly competitive in the UK market, although it seems that fewer universities are looking to switch VLEs at present.

Online education in the UK remains dynamic, with new entrants, broader subject coverage, and diversification into shorter products beyond degrees.

Reputation, brand, and prestige continue to offer a significant advantage to this group of universities. However, collectively, these institutions have yet to fully capitalise on the advantages they hold in online distance education.

There may come a time when it is not a lack of money that precipitates a slide into decline, but a lack of understanding your audience and changing what you do as a result.

This recent data release underscores once again that the domestic market for online education is still the largest and has experienced the most significant growth in recent years.

One of the great benefits of digital technologies and the internet is the global reach they provide. However, the emergence of digital services taxes means that tax implications are not solely determined by UK tax rules.

The development of online provision is ultimately a good investment for universities, but not for short-term financial returns.

My most up-to-date research indicates that there are now nearly 600 online degree programmes under the umbrella of an OPM or other online education company partnership.

Adults will also need opportunities to develop skills and knowledge to meet current and future needs… more accessible alternatives to traditional university-based education will be needed if aims around the workforce are to be met.

The last quarter has been full of interesting news, announcements, and developments from various companies operating in online education and several UK universities.

We are still in a phase of increasing market entries from UK universities and dynamism in the space. Ultimately, what has been and continues to be seen points to substantial transformation of the online distance education landscape in the coming years, bringing both opportunities and challenges for UK universities and their partners.