The dawn of the Age of Digital Learning has been accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic, which has forced 1.6 billion students and teachers to transition to online education. This unprecedented shift marks a significant turning point in the world of education, as we move from a B.C. (Before Coronavirus) era to an A.D. (After Disease) era. The rise of the internet over the past 25 years has paved the way for this digital transformation, as 4.5 billion people have gained access to the internet, lowering barriers and connecting individuals on a global scale.

Glasp

Hatched by Glasp

Sep 16, 2023

4 min read

0

The dawn of the Age of Digital Learning has been accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic, which has forced 1.6 billion students and teachers to transition to online education. This unprecedented shift marks a significant turning point in the world of education, as we move from a B.C. (Before Coronavirus) era to an A.D. (After Disease) era. The rise of the internet over the past 25 years has paved the way for this digital transformation, as 4.5 billion people have gained access to the internet, lowering barriers and connecting individuals on a global scale.

In the B.C. world, only 30% of students were taking courses online. However, in the A.D. era, essentially 100% of students are now engaged in online learning. This shift has led to the rapid growth of the digital learning market, which is currently valued at $160 billion. Before the pandemic, it was projected to reach $440 billion by 2026, with a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% (five times the global GDP growth).

Currently, digital learning represents only 2.3% of the overall education sector, similar to where e-commerce was in 2004. However, experts predict that digital learning will reach 11% of the education market by 2026, creating a market worth approximately $1 trillion. This represents a CAGR of 30%, nearly double the rate of growth projected in the B.C. era.

The SARS outbreak in 2002, combined with the growing internet penetration in China, gave birth to the modern e-commerce industry. Companies like Alibaba experienced a 3-5x increase in users during the SARS outbreak compared to the pre-SARS period. Similarly, the current pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital learning, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

One such opportunity lies in the development of educational video games that engage students while teaching them key materials subliminally. On average, students spend approximately 12,000 hours playing video games between kindergarten and 12th grade, which is equivalent to the time they spend in the classroom. By creating games that blend entertainment with educational content, we can harness the power of gamification to make learning more engaging and effective.

Another promising approach to digital learning is peer-to-peer learning. Studies have shown that teaching others is one of the best ways to learn a subject. With personalized and accelerated learning, students will have the opportunity to advance based on their individual competencies, transforming the traditional one-size-fits-all education model into bespoke learning experiences.

In the higher education sector, the digital age will disrupt traditional regional brand equity. Small hometown colleges will soon be replaced by top universities with accessible online platforms, such as ASU and SNHU. As the number of students in higher education is expected to double from 207 million today to 414 million by 2030, this growth will predominantly happen online.

The changing landscape of education also challenges the notion that a degree is the sole ticket to career opportunities. Other forms of demonstrating capability, such as certificates, badges, and other forms of "knowledge currency," are becoming increasingly valuable. This shift highlights the importance of continuous learning and the need for individuals to acquire new skills throughout their careers.

The ongoing pandemic has also highlighted the importance of communication applications that leverage the unique features of smartphones. These applications have enabled on-demand, multi-faceted use cases, promoting connectivity and facilitating remote learning.

While the Age of Digital Learning presents numerous opportunities, it also poses challenges for content curators. These individuals, who play a crucial role in guiding learners through the vast digital landscape, often do not see direct financial benefits from their work. They lack ownership of their content, data, and relationships with their followers, leading to a lock-in effect on the platforms they started on. This situation benefits the social networks but leaves curators without the financial rewards they deserve.

In conclusion, the Age of Digital Learning marks a significant shift in the world of education. The rapid growth of the digital learning market, accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic, presents immense opportunities for innovation and transformation. By leveraging the power of gamification, personalized learning, and digital credentials, we can create a future where education is accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual needs. However, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by content curators and ensure that they are fairly rewarded for their contributions. As we navigate this new era, it is essential to embrace continuous learning, adapt to technological advancements, and foster a culture of lifelong education.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Embrace gamification: Explore the potential of educational video games to make learning more engaging and effective. Develop games that seamlessly integrate educational content with entertainment to create a powerful learning experience.
  • 2. Foster peer-to-peer learning: Encourage students to teach others as a way to enhance their own learning. Provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, leveraging the power of peer-to-peer interactions.
  • 3. Invest in digital credentials: Recognize the value of alternative forms of demonstrating capability, such as certificates, badges, and other "knowledge currency." Embrace the shift towards continuous learning and invest in acquiring new skills throughout your career.

Sources:

  • Dawn of the Age of Digital Learning
  • Creative Capital

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)