In 2020, the global education sector was deeply disrupted by the closure of schools, universities, and offices, which pushed for the implementation of new learning models completely different from traditional classroom courses, including online learning. However, even if it sounds like something new, E-learning has been around since 1990 and over the years has never stopped growing, supported by the evolution of technology.
Today people spend on average 11 hours a day in front of their devices while reading news, working, and studying. With this new paradigm, E-learning is increasing in popularity because it makes education not only available to a broader audience globally but it also makes the education experience more interesting and personalized. It is not a surprise that E-learning is a growing segment of education enthusiastically adopted by Millennials globally, who represent the largest population cohort ever. This digital-native generation wants to learn and apply new skills, rather than just simply memorize content through a book.
At the base of E-learning, there is a more dynamic and time-saving approach. In fact, through E-learning, students can follow courses, activities and access resources tailored to their individual needs: By using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to analyze and process data, E-learning software can personalize content on an individual basis and understand where students need specific support and what content is necessary.
A growing number of Companies have recognized the potential of E-learning and are developing increasingly innovative services to facilitate the student’s access to the professional world. For example, social network platform Facebook launched its own digital marketing course to help students achieve certified skills to use for their job applications. Chinese tech giant Tencent also boosted its online education offering through its dedicated brand Tencent Education, aiming to achieve an equal, personalized, and innovative education globally.
The common denominator for courses offered by these companies is to provide modern-days Majors which are not yet the focus of traditional courses, such as big data, IT, and cloud computing, with the objective to reduce the gap between the academic and professional world.
E-learning is also important for employed individuals because it allows them to enhance their professional skills from everywhere and anytime, achieving their goals while balancing between their jobs and studying. Big tech company IBM, a pioneer in innovation technology, offers employees multiple online courses and programs to upgrade their skills in innovative fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud, cybersecurity, and more. Thanks to its online learning courses, IBM allows employees to increase their knowledge base by offering a level of flexibility that would not be possible within the traditional education and training system.
For the next decade, e-learning will also be an exciting sector to invest in. As reported by Global Market Insights, the global E-learning industry is expected to be worth $375B by 2026. Through the combination of a rise in spending on supplementary education and the increasing penetration of smartphone and mobile devices, e-learning has the potential to change the lives of billions of people and potentially reduce the gap among students in different parts of the world by making education a more democratic industry.
The information in this article should not be regarded as a description of services provided by Delian Partners SA. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security or investment product. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. The views reflected in this article are subject to change at any time without notice.