The COVID-19 pandemic has affected and every industry and compelled them to make drastic changes in the ways they function.
It has also disrupted the entire way the education system worked before it. Schools and universities shut down due to the pandemic, and the whole system had to move to online education. It has also led to significant advancements in the education industry and EdTech.
How is the education system coping with COVID-19?
Even before the pandemic, educational technology was making advancements to improvise the effectiveness and quality of learning. In recent years, we have witnessed a lot of emerging startups focusing on education.
The global investments in edtech were already US$18.66 billion in 2019 and are projected to reach US$350 Billion by 2025.
Unlike other industries that underwent major losses, edtech has seen growth due to the surge in usage since the pandemic.
Considering the surge in demand, many online learning platforms are also free access to their courses. This marketing strategy shows significant results, taking edtech up a level of growth.
Certain school districts are also forming unique partnerships to offer local educational broadcasts, with separate channels focusing on different age groups.
People took some time to adjust to the shift from classroom learning to online learning. But now that they have experienced it and understood its effectiveness, there are chances that the education system might have changed forever.
Now, the question arises, Will online learning continue to persist after the pandemic? And how will it affect the education industry?
What is the future of learning?
Not everyone is in favor of online learning. While some find it effective, many believe that this sudden shift with no preparation has degraded the quality of learning.
The future of learning could be hybrid. While there are pros and cons to online learning, a hybrid model of learning could solve a lot of problems. Technology for the education industry will see further advancements, and online learning may become an integral part of the education system.
Online classes make learning accessible to students all across the globe and easier for teachers to keep up with their classes. The teachers can reach out to students through video meetings, either in a group or one-to-one discussion, group chats and share documents.
But certain kinds of learning may not be possible to do online just yet, for the hybrid education system can work perfectly.
Challenges in online learning
As convenient as it may sound, online learning comes with a set of challenges.
There is undoubtedly a gap between privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds in the US. It means that not all students may have access to a laptop or internet for online learning. While most of the students have access to technology, 25% of 15-year-olds coming from disadvantaged backgrounds do not have computers or reliable internet connections for online learning.
The effectiveness of online learning also varies for different age groups. Younger children need a more structured environment for learning as they get easily distracted.
The education industry has to face various challenges to find the right balance for hybrid learning and improve its effectiveness.