To stay competitive, businesses must become “learning organizations”.
When Peter Senge coined this term in his 1990 book, The Fifth Discipline, he spoke of learning not as the acquisition of qualifications and training, but as organizations developing a learning culture. In this culture, individuals continuously enhance their capacities and align their visions to achieve collective goals.
The flexibility and accessibility of online education facilitate continuous learning, adaptability, and personal mastery.
Who is the online student?
Now, over a third of college enrolments are classified as “adult” learners, i.e., learners over the age of 25. The average online student is 31 years old1. The online environment also sees more part-timers, experienced professionals, and graduate students compared to in-person undergraduate education.
Online learning, also known as eLearning or distance learning, is transforming education, especially for adult learners, due to the COVID pandemic and the shift to remote work. This trend is fueled by technology and lifestyle changes, making online studying popular and essential for adult learners.
Technological advancements
1. Accessibility and Convenience: High-speed internet and digital devices allow adults to access educational content from anywhere, benefiting those who juggle work, family, and other responsibilities.
However, one third of the global population still lacks high-speed internet, especially in low-income countries with limited 4G and 5G coverage.
2. Diverse Learning Platforms: 98% of universities have integrated online courses into their curricula. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX have revolutionized online learning by offering a variety of courses from top universities and industry leaders in different formats. They cater to different learning styles, enabling adults to pursue tailored education on their own schedules.
3. Technological Integration in Education: Advances in learning management systems (LMS) and virtual learning environments (VLE) support content creation and delivery, communication, and progress tracking. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Classroom are integral to online learning, offering real-time interaction and collaboration.
Lifestyle changes
1. Flexible Learning Opportunities: Traditional education often requires a fixed schedule that can be difficult for adults to accommodate. Online learning offers flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and at times that fit their busy lifestyles – known as asynchronous learning. This is crucial for adults who need to balance studying with full-time employment, childcare, or other personal responsibilities.
2. Lifelong Learning and Career Advancement: As Senge has emphasized, adults recognize the importance of lifelong learning to remain competitive and acquire or update skills without a career break. This is crucial in industries like technology, healthcare, and finance, where staying current is essential. It’s no surprise that business courses are the most popular eLearning2.
3. Online credentials, once viewed skeptically, are now widely recognized and respected by employers, leading to increased acceptance and validation. Prestigious universities like EU Business School offer digital platforms for online degrees, and industry-specific certifications from reputable online providers are highly valued. This acceptance has encouraged more adults to pursue online education as a viable option for professional development.
Social and Economic Factors
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Online study can be more cost-effective compared to the opportunity cost of full-time study and your ability to hold down a full-time job (72% of online students are employed), coupled with savings on commuting, relocation, and accommodation costs.
However, part-time study is becoming more expensive, with 54% of colleges charging higher online tuition than in-person due to delivery and support costs, maintenance, program development, marketing, and third-party costs (online program managers). Access to financial aid is also limited for online students3.
2. Demographic Shifts: Many online learners are mid-career professionals looking to pivot to new fields (18%) or advance in their current roles (21%). Online education caters to this demographic with targeted programs that align with their career goals and schedules.
Challenges and Solutions
Digital literacy, access to technology, self-discipline, and the cost of textbooks (in the absence of a college library) can hinder learners. Most institutions are addressing these challenges by offering technical support, user-friendly platforms, and strategies to engage and motivate students.
1. Providing affordable internet access and devices to underserved communities – about one third of the global population – helps bridge the digital divide. This ensures more adults can participate in online learning regardless of their socioeconomic status.
2. Enhancing Engagement: Educational providers incorporate interactive elements like group projects, live discussions, and peer feedback to combat isolation in online learning and foster a sense of community and collaboration, crucial for maintaining motivation and engagement.
3. Supporting Self-Discipline: Structured timelines and regular assessments help learners manage their time effectively for successful online learning.
Final thoughts
Studying online as an adult has become the “new normal” due to advancements in technology and lifestyle shifts. As technology evolves and online credentials gain acceptance, the convenience, flexibility, and accessibility of online learning among adults will likely persist and expand, solidifying its place in education. Learn more about EU’s Digital Campus, where students enjoy the perks of studying at EU Business School alongside the flexibility of online study here.
