Face-to- face classes, last minute studying and appearing for exams is what the traditional mode of education entails. Though many questioned this method of instruction, very few are ready to look for a change. The Economist identified three changes in higher education, i.e. the rising costs of education, an evolving agreement that universities were meant to educate students after they graduated and the technological advances in learning methods were the leading causes why traditional methods were questioned on their efficiency.
Forces driving the change in Education today
Consumer Actions: Consumers, in this case, students and professionals, are often searching for information, which they acquire quickly through an online search. Most millennials between the ages of 18-34 are adept at using the Internet today. Also known as digital natives, they spend close to 53 hours a week online. Therefore, they expect the digital world to carry over to their universities as they spend more time in classrooms each week. Students now consider colleges as the chief means of getting employment, instead of just a self-development tool.
Current Technology: Internet technology is multiplying leading to a rise in the proliferation of smartphones in the world. According to a Gartner 2017 report, the first quarter of 2017 saw 380 million mobile devices purchased, an increase of 9.1 percent for the same period in 2016. This proliferation along with reliable internet connectivity explains how social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have millions of visits daily. These platforms encourage eLearning in different ways at no extra cost, anywhere, anytime.
Fiscal Burden: College and university tuition fees are continually increasing more so if you would like to study at a reputed public university abroad. The average costs for the 2016-17 academic year rose by USD 860 as compared to the 2015-16 academic year. At private institutions, the price rise in tuition was almost USD 8550, and it did not include textbooks and other study materials.
The Rise of Online Learning: Stanford University first introduced MOOCs in 2011 by, which proved to be a big hit among students paving the way for open-access online courses. At the end of 2016, 58 million students opted for 6850 MOOCs offered by nearly 700 universities transforming global education completely.
The Rise Of eLearning Providers: New-age technology and its efficacy have changed consumer needs for education while creating several business opportunities for private customised learning solutions. There are several players for eLearning in India; Multiversity being one of the first to offer such courses.
Now that you get an idea why a shift to e learning in education is imperative. Here are a few Tips on how best to go about making the shift. Read 5 Tips for Colleges to Make the Shift To eLearning.
Sources:
Gartner. (2017, May 23). Gartner Says Worldwide Sales of Smartphones Grew 9 Percent in the First Quarter of 2017.
The Economist. (2014, June 27). The Digital Degree: The Future of Universities.
