The advancements in modern technology paved the way for online education to flourish. This encouraged many parents to homeschool their children, as well as professionals to pursue higher education. The online channels in getting a formal education also brought about. The possibility for those who found themselves as part of the workforce at an early phase, get a college degree. As such, it can be interesting to find out what the statistics on online education really show.
Millions of people are pursuing online education
The number of students who enrolled in online courses significantly increased over the recent couple of years. Education statistics indicate that a quarter of college students all over the globe engage in e-learning and take online courses. While the United States is the leader when it comes to online education offerings, European, Latin American, and Asian regions closely follow suit. As a result, it is foreseen that by the year 2022. The global e-learning industry will surpass a couple of hundred billion dollars.
68% of online students are experienced professionals
While it is notable that more and more college students are pursuing a degree through online courses, statistics show that more than half of the overall online students are already experienced professionals. 36% of these professionals engage in e-learning because they intend to switch industries, moving from one career to another that may be totally different from their current profession. Perhaps, this is to pursue their passion or to feed their limitless hunger for knowledge. Another 34% of these professionals do so in order to advance in their current careers.
Based on Online education statistics from experienced professionals taking online courses is only increasing. In fact, statistics show that from 6.1% in the year 2008, graduate students that engage in e-learning have significantly risen to 27.3% in the year 2016. According to those who pursued graduate studies through online platforms, the learnings they gained far exceeded their expectations.
54% of online students have jobs
Of this percentage, some have full-time jobs, squeezing in their online course requirements as soon as they get off work. Others have part-time jobs, which provides them more time in terms of completing their course requirements. Others are required by their companies to pursue an education through online platforms and this is regarded as corporate e-learning.
According to various statistics, corporations are considered as one of the major drivers of online education. This is because they tend to invest in the learnings that their employees can gain through further education. These learnings will only enhance their skills and knowledge for which the company can benefit from in the future. Online education is perfect for corporations because while they strive to give the best training to their employees, the time that their employees need to render at work is not compromised.
Having their employees enroll in online courses is also a way for corporations to ensure that they will be able to go with the flow in terms of the fast-paced progress of technological innovations. Being one step ahead through the education of their employees brings forth a certain advantage for corporations over their competitors. As a result, they gain a fair share of the market and generate positive revenue.
Online education is more cost-effective
There are online courses and training that are still offered for free. The students who leverage this realize the fact that online education is more cost-effective compared to traditional degrees. Nevertheless, paid online courses are significantly cheaper compared to traditional schooling methods. This is another reason why even undergraduate students tend to leverage online education.
Some of the largest educational institutions in the globe enroll as many as 20% of online students. As a result, an annual online education growth of 12% is projected between the years 2020 and 2025. Some of the most common learning methods implemented for undergraduates are online videos, apps, and software because more than half of online students are keen on using mobile apps for learning.
Statistics also reflect that degrees in business, computer science, or health, are some of the most common courses taken online. The average age of an e-learning student pursuing a college degree is 30 years old. This indicates that the online student population includes parents, professionals, and anyone who really wants to get a degree.
Advantages of Online Courses
The rise of individuals who enroll in online courses can be attributed to the advantages of e-learning such as:
- Flexibility. By enrolling in an online course, you have the flexibility of creating a learning environment that suits your needs such as completing course requirements in a café, reading in your bedroom, or listening to your instructor’s podcast while running on a treadmill. It also means that you have the flexibility to choose the time when you are more focused to learn such as during the early morning when everything is still quiet and serene, or late in the evening when your adrenaline isn’t permitting you to sleep. Additionally, an online class also frees you from the stress of having to commute and braving the weather.
- Responsibility. In parallel with flexibility is responsibility. Online courses develop your sense of responsibility because regardless of your learning environment. You need to be able to fulfill the requirements of the course to complete it. While it is true that studying online requires more discipline, it will also help you in developing your time management skills. As a result, you will be equipped not only with the academic skills but also with the soft skills you will likely need in the workplace.
Final Word
Online education brings forth numerous possibilities for individuals who dream of getting a formal degree. This is the reason why more and more people are getting online courses, regardless of whether they are currently employed or are already experienced professionals. Online education also allowed many parents to homeschool their children with the help of modules and course curriculum that they can follow. With the positive reaction of people towards online education. It can be deemed that universities and educators should really start to leverage technology.
