The future of education is digital. Online learning has seen immense growth over the last decade and will continue reshaping how we teach and learn. Students around the globe are flocking to online courses that provide greater flexibility and access. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated adoption of remote learning technologies out of necessity. Beyond traditional online courses, immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) promise to take digital education to the next level. As we look to the future, developing “human skills” that can’t be automated will be key. The education and credentialing ecosystem will expand with more diversified, personalized and self-directed learning options.
The Popularity of Online Courses Skyrockets
Over the past ten years, the popularity of online education has grown exponentially. The global e-learning market is expected to be worth over $325 billion by 2025. More and more students are taking online courses and degree programs for good reason – they offer unparalleled flexibility, affordability and access. Online learners can study whenever and wherever is convenient for them without commuting to a physical campus. These courses also enable working professionals to upskill while maintaining full-time jobs.
The benefits for online students go far beyond convenience and extend after graduation. According to a 2020 report, 78% of online college students say their program was well worth the cost. 74% want to continue learning with their alma mater after completing their program. The job market also looks favorably on these graduates. Their ability to learn independently and leverage technology makes them attractive hires to employers.
This growth in online education is reflected in current student demographics. 37% of online learners are between the ages of 25 and 29. 22% are over 55, while 19% are 18 to 24 years old. A sizeable portion are also first-generation students or balancing families and full-time jobs while earning their degrees. Proximity to campus plays less of a role as well, with 75% living within 50 miles of their school. For these non-traditional students especially, online learning opens doors that may have previously been closed.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Accelerates Adoption of Online Learning
Over 1.2 billion students in 186 countries were impacted by pandemic-related school closures. Practically overnight, educators were tasked with bringing learning online. In China, 730,000 K-12 students in Wuhan alone flocked to Tencent’s online platform.
Necessity became the mother of invention. Schools and teachers got creative adopting technologies like video conferencing for remote classrooms. The benefits of online learning revealed themselves quickly too. On average, students retain 25-60% more material in digital courses than traditional ones. Some master course content in 40-60% less time as well.
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While challenging for teachers and students alike, this unexpected shift reaffirmed that online learning is here to stay. Many practices adopted out of pandemic necessity will be incorporated more permanently. Blended models that supplement in-person learning with technology will likely become more common.
The Rise of AR and VR in Online Education
To this point, online learning has predominantly featured traditional modalities like video lectures and discussion boards transitioned to the digital space. Immersive technologies promise to take digital education into an entirely new dimension though. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the physical environment. Virtual reality (VR) creates fully simulated, lifelike experiences.
Though most commonly associated with gaming, AR and VR are poised to disrupt online education. These technologies help address common learning barriers like distractions, comprehension and engagement. AR/VR provides focused, gamified and visually-rich educational experiences.
Students can strap on a VR headset and get immersed in historical events or foreign locations. AR allows them to actively interact with 3D models and digital objects blended into their physical surroundings. Platforms like Unimersiv, Google Expeditions and Nearpod are already using AR/VR to bring learning to life.
Implementing these technologies does come with substantial upfront investments in hardware and content development. However, long-term cost savings can still be realized from needing less physical learning spaces. The proof of concept for AR/VR’s benefits is already evident too. It unlocks more self-directed, personalized and experiential learning opportunities.
Developing “Human Skills” Critical to Future of Work
Higher education’s purpose is to prepare students for career success. To that end, developing uniquely “human” skills that artificial intelligence (AI) and robots cannot replicate will be vital going forward.
Software already handles routine tasks like basic data analysis or customer service inquiries. But humans still edge out machines when it comes to complex communication, creativity, leadership and cultural competencies. These skills empower people to complement smart technology rather than compete directly against it.
Emotional and social intelligence are also uniquely human traits. Successfully collaborating on teams or relating to coworkers requires reading unspoken cues and nudges. Human judgment and ethics come into play making risky decisions as well.
Education’s emphasis will shift from rote memorization of facts to nurturing innovative thinkers and empathetic leaders. Institutions embracing online delivery models are actually at an advantage here. The self-directed learning pathway better prepares students in key areas like taking initiative that AI cannot replace.
The Future of Credentials and Self-Directed Learning
Finally, the future of education will see a transformation in how we credential learning altogether. Degrees and certifications signal to employers that candidates possess certain skills and knowledge. But this system was designed primarily around content delivery models that are now evolving.
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Self-directed online courses allow learners to move at their own pace and style of learning. The explosion of quality educational content outside formal institutions also muddies the credentialing waters so to speak. Increasingly, resumes highlighting real-world experience and work samples will augment or replace degrees.
We’re already seeing shifts toward more diversified credentialing systems with value defined by the employer. Microcredentials that denote competency in niche, in-demand skills are gaining traction. Professional associations and for-profit companies will play a bigger role designing curriculum aligned with industry needs as well.
Individual learners will similarly exercise more control over shaping their educational journeys. Those able to effectively synthesize knowledge across both formal and informal mediums will thrive most. This personalized, self-directed model better equips lifelong learners to stay relevant in our rapidly changing employment landscape.