The rise of online learning

We are living in a world which is changing so rapidly that those skills which were considered essential few years ago are now considered not so important at present. In the COVID-19 phase, many people resorted to online learning techniques to either explore different areas or to horn their existing knowledge and skill sets. The online coaching and training which is limited to short span of time which offers flexible timings with proficient trainers from across the world has made it attractive and has the perception of people’s mind changed drastically. In the recent times, we see an increase in the number of persons taking up online courses which also includes popular personalities. One such example is the minister of women and child development, Smriti Irani who completed the online executive education program Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications and Strategies from University of California, HAS School of Business by Prof. Yaniv Konchitchki.

This post by her on LinkedIn has made rounds in the social media for all the right reasons. When persons of repute trust and engage in such online courses, others gradually feel inspired and motivated to take up similar activities. The greatest of advantage of taking up an online is obviously that one doesn’t have to commute to the college or university located at distant places. One can actually interact with experienced coaches from across the world. Also one can take up courses in unique and emerging trends which are not easily available or accessible to many people in a particular locality. However, the biggest challenge is also to find out which course to apply for. Before applying one must be aware of the options available, which are the topics that are emerging as recent trends, what is their interest and how can they compete in the global market. Another challenge is as many point out, the lack of a personal one to one experience like that of in physical classes. In physical classes you can see a person directly and communicate with friends and associates easily. Many tend to build a stronger connection when they face each other and interact. However, online classes can also help in building and connecting to people from different places. It is also a good option for those who wants to work alongside their studies as it will give them sufficient time to do both.

Online courses can be for short span of time such as 4-6 weeks or even lesser than that. Or people who wish to take masters or PhD though online can also do that. This allows them to work and study. It is also cost efficient unlike physical classes were you have to pay huge sum of amount.

In the lockdown period we have seen a surge in the online tutoring, language apps, video conferencing tools or any other kind of software. And it seems as if the dependence on online courses continue to dominate even when the physical classes have resumed at several places and when people are gradually resuming the normal activities. The dynamic shift in the educational field is a direct result of the COVID- 19 induced pandemic though earlier there were platforms offering online courses. The overall market for online education is expected to reach $350 million by 2025.¹

Another issue pertinent with online training is the lack of resources available to access such online courses. At present, India is the second largest internet using country only behind China. Even then many people are deprived of these facilities especially in rural or tribal areas. Though governments of several states have taken an initiative to provide computers or basic facilities, there are many who hasn’t received any yet. Research also finds that the students are able to retain 20-60% more material in online classes than in physical classes where students can retain only 8-10%². As students learn faster through online classes and generally these classes take comparatively less time than normal classes, it is becoming a preferred solution to many problems. After analyzing all these points it becomes clear that online courses are undoubtedly the future of modern education which offers job ready skills, specialization in one particular area of interest with experienced professors from across the world.

¹ Cathy Li & Farah Lalani, The Covid Pandemic has changed education forever: This is how, WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, (Nov 25, 2021, 1:34 pm), https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-education-global-covid19-online-digital-learning/.

² Cathy Li & Farah Lalani, The Covid Pandemic has changed education forever: This is how, WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, (Nov 25, 2021, 1:34 pm), https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-education-global-covid19-online-digital-learning/.