The key to the successful implementation of online learning at Kent State was the buy-in and belief of the faculty that it was an innovation that would help and not hinder their teaching. Not all faculty participate in online teaching but having a core group of faculty members with experience, expertise, and a shared vision of its value was instrumental in helping others make the sudden shift to online teaching caused by the pandemic. 

If online learning was an early disruptive innovation to universities, it perhaps now may serve as a foundation to build upon as higher education encounters a variety of challenged and opportunities. As we scan the horizon and begin to see some potential challenges and opportunities that higher education may soon encounter, it will be helpful to remember the lessons learned from online education.