The Times Higher Education (THE) organization announced its 2024 Online Learning Rankings on December 10, 2024. A total of 56 universities worldwide were ranked and awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze honors. Duy Tan University was the only institution from Vietnam to be recognized, earning a Bronze award for Online Learning in 2024.
Online Learning has increasingly gained attention and popularity as learners seek to enhance their skills while balancing work and study, benefiting from the flexibility and convenience it offers. Particularly with the emphasis on “Lifelong Learning” as a key criterion for Sustainable Development, there is no more practical approach than through online learning methods. However, no global standard currently exists to measure the quality of this mode of education.
The inaugural THE Global Online Learning Rankings assess the achievements and challenges of Online Learning, aiming to provide learners with the confidence to choose this mode of education at a high-quality institution.
DTU earns Bronze for Online Learning in the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings
Given that universities adopt diverse reasons, goals, and methods for implementing Online Education and Learning, THE classified institutions into three tiers - Gold, Silver, and Bronze - differing from its other rankings that assign numerical scores and positions.
The 2024 THE Online Learning ranking results are as follows:
• Gold: 11 universities
• Silver: 14 universities
• Bronze: 31 universities
• 64 universities submitted data but did not meet the eligibility criteria for ranking.
The Gold tier includes:
• United States: 3 universities
• United Kingdom: 2 universities
• India: 2 universities
• Russia, Hungary, New Zealand, and Australia: 1 university each.
In Southeast Asia, 7 universities were ranked:
• BINUS University (Indonesia): Silver
• University of Santo Tomas (Philippines): Silver
• Duy Tan University (Vietnam): Bronze
• Telkom University (Indonesia): Bronze
• State University of Surabaya (Indonesia): Bronze
• Padjadjaran University (Indonesia): Bronze
• Indonesia Open University (Indonesia): Bronze
This ranking uses 17 indicators across 4 pillars:
1. Resources: Measures faculty and learning resources for online education.
2. Engagement: Assesses students' online learning experience, including participation and interaction with peers and instructors.
3. Outcomes: Evaluates students' academic results, graduation rates, and their likelihood to recommend courses.
4. Environment: Examines the physical and technological support for students and human factors like faculty-student balance.
Nguyen Trung Thuan, Director of the DTU Online Training Center (eUniversity) & Second degree program, teaching an online class
In THE’s Global Online Learning Ranking, no university scored highly across all pillars, reflecting the diversity of objectives among online education providers and the potential for this diversity to drive growth.
Billy Wong, Data Scientist at THE, stated:
"More universities are adopting online learning to increase access to education, meet diverse learning needs, and enhance flexibility. THE aims to help students better understand where they can access quality online learning experiences and provide valuable insights for universities to improve their online offerings."
DTU’s Journey in Online Learning
DTU began offering online programs through eUniversity in 2008. The university established support stations in Hanoi, Quang Binh, Phu Yen, Kien Giang (Phu Quoc and Rach Gia), Dak Lak, and Ho Chi Minh City to maximize student support.
The flexibility of DTU’s online programs allows learners to manage their study schedules. High school graduates complete undergraduate programs in 4 years, while those with intermediate or associate degrees can finish in 3 years or 2-2.5 years, respectively. The credit-based system also enables students to adjust the length of their study period based on their capabilities and goals.
Students can pursue multiple majors and earn multiple bachelor's degrees through eUniversity if they meet eligibility and capability requirements. Current online programs include:
• English Language
• Software Engineering
• Business Administration
• Finance & Banking
• Accounting
• Economic Law
• Civil Engineering
To enhance online education, DTU offers innovative resources, including printed materials, audio lectures (MP3/MP4), video lectures, and virtual classrooms. Students can interact with lecturers via phone, website, or platforms like Zoom, Chatbox, Email, and Forums. Additionally, 3D virtual reality games simulate real-life scenarios for practical activities, discussions, and group projects.
Adaptation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 outbreak, DTU transitioned the entire university to online learning and testing, thanks to years of investment in online education infrastructure. When Da Nang implemented strict lockdown measures in late 2020, the university doubled its internet bandwidth and upgraded facilities, equipping classrooms with wide-angle cameras and audio systems.
DTU integrated platforms like MyDTU, SAKAI, Zoom Cloud Meetings, and DTU Test/Examination Service to ensure seamless online learning and testing. As a leading institution in Information Technology, DTU has leveraged its expertise and preparedness to deliver highly effective online education for years.
(Media Center)