The overall intention of this literature review was to recommend whether universities should provide lectures online
through digital content. Research across disciplines and in numerous universities worldwide revealed that the
benefits of online lectures outweigh the disadvantages. Some specific recommendations accompany the advice to
proceed. For learners, in addition to the provision of lectures, universities are encouraged to provide accompanying
explicit study strategies. The expectations and purpose for digital content must be communicated to students. For
educators, the literature recommends intentional pedagogy and development of strategies for creating lectures that
are effectively disseminated online. The creation of digital content must have a clear teaching and learning purpose
that aligns with the module’s learning objectives. It must not be a mere add-on with no purpose. Digital scholarship
can enable learners and teachers to experience presence and higher order learning, accomplished through moving
beyond the dissemination of online content to linking, creating, evaluating and developing. The overall theme
throughout this review was that the university must consider the profile of the educators and learners in the specific
context.