Dawn of the Age of Digital Learning: How to Go OmniChannel with Content

Dawn of the Age of Digital Learning: How to Go OmniChannel with Content

The world has experienced a seismic shift in the way we learn and consume information. The Coronavirus pandemic has forced 1.6 billion students and teachers online, catapulting us into the Age of Digital Learning. This transition from a B.C. (Before Coronavirus) world to an A.D. (After Disease) world has been long in the making.

Over the last 25 years, the rise of the internet has connected 4.5 billion people globally, creating a digital infrastructure that has revolutionized the way we access opportunities and connect with others. In the B.C. era, only 30% of students were taking online courses. However, in the A.D. era, virtually 100% of students have transitioned to online learning.

The digital learning market, which was already valued at $160 billion, was projected to reach $440 billion by 2026. This represents a significant growth rate of 16% CAGR, five times the global GDP growth. Currently, digital learning accounts for 2.3% of the overall education sector, similar to where Ecommerce was in 2004. However, experts now predict that digital learning will capture 11% of the education market by 2026, creating a trillion-dollar industry with a 30% CAGR.

The SARS outbreak in 2002, combined with the growing internet penetration in China, resulted in the birth of modern E-Commerce. Alibaba, for example, experienced a 3-5x increase in users in March 2003 compared to pre-SARS. Similarly, the current pandemic has accelerated the growth of digital learning, pushing it to new heights.

One key opportunity in this digital age is the development of educational video games. Students spend an average of 12,000 hours playing video games between Kindergarten and 12th grade, equivalent to the time spent in the classroom. Incorporating educational content into games can provide a powerful tool for subliminal learning, known as Invisible Learning.

Another important aspect of digital learning is the shift towards personalized and competency-based education. Studies have shown that the best way to learn a subject is to teach someone else. With accelerated and personalized learning, students can advance based on their individual competencies. This transformation from a one-size-fits-all education system to bespoke learning has the potential to revolutionize the way we educate future generations.

The higher education landscape is also undergoing significant changes in the digital age. Regional brand equity, which was once crucial in the higher education space, is becoming less meaningful. Top universities with accessible online platforms, such as ASU and SNHU, are poised to replace small hometown colleges across the country. With the number of students in higher education expected to double by 2030, all of this growth will be happening online.

The traditional notion of a degree as the sole ticket for career opportunities is also evolving. The rise of alternative credentials, such as certificates, badges, and other "Knowledge Currency," is augmenting the value of degrees. Employers are placing increasing importance on a candidate's demonstrated capabilities rather than just their formal education.

In the realm of content creation, going omnichannel is key to success. Repurposing and crossposting content across various platforms allows for maximum reach and engagement. Writing blogs remains a top method for expanding your content ecosystem. Platforms like Ghost provide a minimalist system that even non-coders can utilize.

Medium.com, once a popular platform, has become toxic for content creators. Large publications are no longer able to export their content, limiting control over their work. Quora "Spaces" and blog posts also no longer offer the same growth potential they once did. However, crossposting images on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can still provide automation and increased visibility.

Creating a diverse range of content is crucial for building a strong online presence. From written blogs to slide decks, podcasts, livestreams, and social media stories, each format offers unique opportunities for engagement and growth. Video content, particularly on platforms like IGTV, often yields significant results if consistently produced. Additionally, livestreams and real-time interactions with audiences can foster deeper connections and engagement.

Platforms like Quora offer immense potential for thought leadership and problem-solving. By providing valuable answers to questions and leaving links to related posts, content creators can establish themselves as experts in their field. However, self-promotion should be used sparingly and only when the post offers significant value to the audience.

The internet is like a sprawling web, and the more branches you can get yourself on, the greater your influence will be. The goal is to become a thought leader in your space, even if that was not your initial intention. Utilizing social media marketing tools and echoing out your content across various platforms can help amplify your message and increase your reach.

In conclusion, the dawn of the Age of Digital Learning and the importance of going omnichannel with content represent significant opportunities for both learners and content creators. As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, personalized learning, alternative credentials, and diverse content formats will shape the future of education and information consumption. To thrive in this new era, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace digital learning: Whether you're a student or an educator, embrace the shift towards online education and leverage the vast resources available. Take advantage of personalized learning opportunities and seek out alternative credentials to enhance your career prospects.

2. Go omnichannel with content: Don't limit yourself to a single platform or format. Repurpose and crosspost your content across various channels to maximize your reach and engagement. Explore different mediums such as blogs, podcasts, videos, and livestreams to connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

3. Continuously evolve and adapt: The digital landscape is ever-changing, so it's important to stay updated and adapt your strategies accordingly. Keep an eye on emerging technologies and trends that can enhance your digital learning experience or improve your content creation efforts. Stay curious, experiment, and be open to new opportunities.

By embracing the Age of Digital Learning and adopting an omnichannel approach to content creation, we can unlock endless possibilities for education, connection, and growth in the A.D. era.