Introducing the Fractional COLO: A Cost-Effective Path to Online Learning Leadership
Jeremiah Grabowski, a seasoned professional with a blend of business, education, and start-up experience, has introduced a novel concept: the 'Fractional Chief Online Learning Officer (COLO)' for online higher education. This part-time executive role is designed to provide expertise in online learning without the full-time commitment, making it an attractive option for institutions seeking to invest in digital learning but facing budget constraints.
Grabowski's LinkedIn article details his approach, which combines consultation with hands-on implementation. He offers service levels tailored to each institution's needs, ranging from assessments to full fractional COLO engagements. This flexibility makes the role particularly suited for small to midsize universities that need to invest in online learning but lack the start-up capital for a full-time executive.
Institutions can use these services to see a return on investment before committing to a full-time hire. The costs of a fractional COLO are significantly less than a full-time hire, without the overhead of salary and benefits. Grabowski's goal is not to replace full-time COLOs but to demonstrate the value of dedicated online learning leadership and grow the position. He hopes institutions will eventually hire their own full-time COLO after working with him and seeing the value they bring.
The fractional COLO concept offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for institutions looking to enhance their online learning capabilities. By providing expert guidance and hands-on implementation, Grabowski's approach helps institutions build their online learning capabilities internally, ultimately paving the way for full-time dedicated leadership in the field.
