Online learning is not just a trend, but a revolution in education.
The global online education/e-learning market is projected to grow at an astonishing rate of 17.2% annually, reaching a value of USD 602.0 billion by 2030. This reflects the increasing demand for flexible, accessible, and personalised learning experiences that can help people develop the skills they need in today’s ever-changing world. Online learning is the future of education, and it is here to stay.
🤔 Who are Gen Z?
But who are the driving force behind this online learning revolution? The answer is Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with the internet, smartphones, and social media as part of their everyday lives. They are digital natives who are comfortable with using technology for everything, from entertainment to communication to education.
Gen Z learners have different expectations and preferences when it comes to learning than previous generations. They are not satisfied with the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to education that often fails to meet their needs and interests. They want to learn in ways that suit their individual styles, goals, and passions. They want to learn from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. They want to learn what they want, when they want, and how they want.
That’s why Gen Z loves online learning.
GenZ + Online Learning, 4Ever 💘
It offers them the opportunity to learn in a personalised way that matches their unique characteristics and aspirations. According to a report by Barnes & Noble College, Gen Z learners are:
- Self-reliant: They prefer to learn independently and at their own pace, using online resources and platforms that allow them to customize their learning experience.
- Collaborative: They value social learning and peer feedback, as well as opportunities to work with others on real-world projects and challenges.
- Pragmatic: They are focused on the relevance and applicability of their learning, seeking courses and programs that can help them achieve their career goals and prepare them for the future of work.
Online learning can cater to these needs and preferences by providing Gen Z learners with a variety of options and features, such as:
- Personalised content: these platforms can use data and artificial intelligence to deliver personalized content that adapts to each learner’s level, progress, and interests.
- Flexible schedule: they allows learners to access courses and materials at any time of the day or night, giving them more control over their own learning schedule.
- Interactive activities: Online learning can incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, games, simulations, and virtual reality to make learning more engaging and fun.
- Multimedia formats: there is room for different types of media such as text, audio, video, animation, live, recorded, and images to suit different learning preferences and modes.
- Instant feedback: platforms are able to provide immediate feedback and guidance to learners through automated grading, chatbots, or live tutors.
- Social connection: it can enable social interaction and collaboration among learners through online forums, chats, video calls, or group projects.
These features can help Gen Z learners stay motivated, engaged, and challenged throughout their lifelong learning journey. Online learning can also help them develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration that are in high demand.
Online learning is not only beneficial for Gen Z learners, but also for educators, employers, and society at large:
- Improve access and equity: platforms can make education more accessible and affordable for people who face barriers such as distance, cost, disability, or discrimination.
- Enhance quality and efficiency: platforms can improve the quality and efficiency of education by using data-driven insights, evidence-based practices, and innovative pedagogies.
- Expand opportunities and choices: multiple platforms offer a wide range of courses and programs from different providers and institutions.
- Support lifelong learning and development: Online learning can support lifelong learning and development by enabling learners to update their skills and knowledge continuously in response to changing needs and trends.
Think of online learning as not a substitute for traditional education, but a complement that can enrich and enhance the learning experience for everyone. It is not a threat to educators, but an ally that can empower them to deliver better outcomes for their students.
It will shape the future of education for generations to come, it is the way Gen Z learns best, and we totally embrace it. We share these opportunities on our social channels, just hit the icons below and don't miss out!
Gem Hallett miFuture Founder.
www.miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureSkills
