“Make learning memorable. Make it meaningful. Make it stick.” These were the guiding words from globally acclaimed e-learning pioneer Professor Badrul Khan, who delivered a masterclass on SMART Blended Learning at the University of Pretoria (UP) on Friday, 30 May 2025.

Professor Badrul Khan, one of the world’s most respected voices in online education, spoke at the workshop hosted by the Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES), which brought together digital learning practitioners from across UP and beyond, including representatives from the Council on Higher Education.

A pioneer in web-based instruction

This was Professor Khan’s, an American author, first visit to South Africa, with UP being one of just three universities he visited. For many at the workshop, meeting the person whose ideas have influenced online learning for decades was a meaningful moment. Bangladesh-born Professor Khan is widely known for his 1997 book “Web-Based Instruction”, which changed how institutions approach digital education. In it, Professor Khan introduced the “Eight-Dimensional e-Learning Framework”, a model still used today to guide the design of effective online learning experiences.

“He has been a pioneer since the 90s with his books on web-based instruction,” said Professor Linda van Ryneveld, Director of COES. “The octagonal framework he pioneered has influenced how many of us think about introducing eLearning in our institutions; those concepts are ingrained in what we do.”

Professor Khan spoke about the need for education that lasts, learning that “sticks”. He called this learning, sustainable. “Think back to something a teacher or mentor once told you that stayed with you” he said. “That’s what good learning should do. It should stay with you for life.”

Meaningful and engaging education

The idea of lasting learning is at the heart of Professor Khan’s SMART Blended Learning approach. He explained that SMART reflects five essential features of meaningful and engaging education. The first is that learning must be sustainable; students should carry what they have learnt long after a course ends. It must also be motivating. If learning is not engaging or inspiring, students are unlikely to absorb it. “If I do not motivate you” he told the audience, “you will not remember me”.

Professor Khan added that effective learning must also be adaptable. Educators and students must be ready to adjust to new tools, technologies, and situations. This flexibility is essential in a fast-changing world. The fourth quality is that learning should be result-oriented, leading to clear, measurable outcomes that demonstrate real understanding. Finally, Professor Khan stated that modern education must be technology-enabled, making smart use of digital tools, while still putting human connection and care at the centre of teaching.

Evolving student needs

Professor Khan went on to explain that a good learning design is not about using fancy technology, but knowing your students and creating lessons they will remember. “You can be in South Africa or the Amazon. When students are learning online, they’re often on their own. That means the learning must be strong, clear, and supportive.”

Professor Khan also addressed current debates on online assessment, student motivation, the digital divide, and the use of AI in higher education. He voiced that higher education institutions must evolve to meet the needs of today’s students, who demand flexibility, engagement, and authenticity. Professor Khan encouraged participants to focus on short, focused content; accessible learning from any device; support for mental health; and more engaging lessons.