The Future of Online Learning in Higher Education
Future Trends, Emerging Technologies, and How It Will Impact the Learning Landscape in 2025
The countdown to the end of the year is down to weeks instead of months, and we’re pretty sure those of us here at ES are not the only ones already looking ahead to 2025. In particular, we’ve been talking about online learning a lot as it continues to expand and encompass more of the higher education sector. What we think will change, which developments will make the biggest impacts, and – most importantly – how can we best prepare and help our higher education clients to adapt.
Virtual Learning’s Gaining Share of the Marketplace
Online education was already expanding even before the COVID outbreak drove a huge percentage of the population online for our jobs and our education, and it’s continuing to be a key factor in how colleges and schools are planning for their futures. The most recent Changing Landscape of Online Education report found that over two-thirds of respondents said it was a priority to create online versions of their face-to-face classes, up from just 42% the previous year, and 40% of administrators say that they’re planning to increase online program development in the coming year.
These numbers aren’t all that surprising when you consider how online learning options can boost enrollment numbers:
- 92% of respondents said that online education offerings allow them to recruit students in their region
- 87% of respondents said that it enables them to reach students beyond their usual borders
- 46% of respondents noted that online enrollment is outpacing growth in their on-campus programs
Online learning is being viewed more and more favorably by students as well. The BestColleges’ 10th Annual Online Education Trends Report notes that student satisfaction with online education is extremely high, with:
- 93% of all students saying their online degree has or will be a positive return on investment
- 97% of online students and program graduates would recommend online education to others
- 81% of respondents say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning
All of this data goes to show that no one should expect demand for online classes and programs to diminish for the foreseeable future.
The Developments in Educational Technology
Advancements in technology have definitely fueled this change, and new developments are continuing to transform it even now. Schools that embrace new techniques and tools are putting themselves in the best position to benefit and set their students up for success.
- Data-driven insights – What’s working in a course or a program? Where are students struggling? All of these are questions that can be informed by data, analyzing it and then using what you find to improve your offerings. Data is the driver behind so much of our society right now; it only makes practical sense to let it be a driver to our higher education sector as well.
- Personalized adaptive education – This goes with the previous point: data can inform a school’s coursework, and it can also provide individualized guidance and pathways for the students themselves. Analysis using artificial intelligence systems can lead to educational pathways tailored for each student.
- Assistive technologies – People with disabilities can get left behind in the old-fashioned structures of higher education, but the rapid growth of assistive technologies can make achieving a certificate, diploma, or degree more possible than ever before.
- App-based learning – We’re on the go, our lives are on the go – and our education should be as well. Offering students apps where they can take their courses or programs with them and squeeze in reading or classwork during a quick break or while they’re on the train is a game changer for a student population primarily made up of busy, working adults.
- Edtech partnerships – Expect to see the area of education technology to bring in more interest from software development firms and companies. These partnerships could fuel even greater innovations in the online learning world.
Current and Future Learning Model Trends
Beyond the technology, some of the long-held learning models are being altered and reimagined as well. Online education is forcing us to ask questions like: Is 2 or 3 lectures a week really the best way to deliver information to students? Is a two-semester format truly best for retention and learning? Are we actually preparing our students well for today’s job market?
This has given rise to a few new trends in learning models and delivery platforms:
- Microlearning and gamification – How many of us have at least tried something like Duolingo? (Please don’t ask me about my streak, though. That little green owl is so mad at me.) Programs like Duolingo are a key example of microlearning and gamification: little bits of information being offered to you in 5- to 10-minute increments, with the added bonus of winning hearts or trophies or other digital rewards. This format is so vastly different than the traditional 45-minute class lecture, but we’re finding it also can be an incredible way to build knowledge and deliver information.
- Skill-focused education – Instead of asking “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, what if we instead ask: “What skill do you want to be able to do when you grow up?” The way our economy and the job market is developing, an exact job position or job title matters much less than the actual skills you bring to the table. This as also led to the trend of microcredentials – essentially, building your skillbase step-by-step via quick and easy courses to help you earn a series of certificates or credentials. It’s like a build-your-own-degree kind of approach.
- Social-emotional learning – Overall, we’re seeing a shift toward priotitizing so-called “soft” skills, also sometimes referred to as Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). It’s an aspect of higher education that can get lost in the shuffle, but online programs and schools that invest in coursework that boosts students emotional awareness, conflict resolution skills, empathy, and critical thinking and decision making skills will likely see a return on that investment when it comes to job placement, hiring, and retention.
Ready for Online Education in 2025?
Just like online dating, online learning spent far too many years being looked down on, but that perspective is vastly outdated. There’s no turning back from the virtual education phenomenon nor should you want to. The trends and developments we’re seeing now in online higher education are exciting and hold to promise of expanding opportunities to students who may otherwise not have them. The only question is whether your school is ready to take advantage of these changes and what you can do now to get on board. It will not only benefit you, but the outcomes of your students as well.
