Over the last few years, e-learning options have significantly grown. In addition, more and more people are choosing to study this way whether or not they have access to colleges and education providers.
It seems likely that the demand for e-learning will only continue to grow. This may happen alongside traditional education. However, it is also possible that, in time, online learning will replace bricks and mortar third-level institutions.
Many will argue that the college experience is valuable in itself. Spending time with peers as well as lecturers is an important – and much loved – part of the student experience. However, it is also possible to argue that college does not prepare students for the workforce. E-learning, along with work experience, could change that .
Blended learning
Many institutions already offer online or blended learning courses. Blended learning may be the “best of both worlds.” This means that students use online modules, but also attend a number of classes. Blended learning has proved popular with employed people who want to upskill or change career direction without giving up work.
In future, third-level institutions could offer blended learning as standard. This would make education more accessible. In addition, it would reduce costs for educational institutions.
Changes in technology have meant that it is now significantly easier and less expensive to make online modules. Students with access to these can study in their own time. This makes learning flexible and allows those distant from an institution to attend a course. Furthermore, it would be possible for a number of institutions to share the same online learning materials. This would also allow them to spread the cost and maintain standards.
Technology in the classroom
Lecturers already use technology in the classroom, such as online quizzes and tests. This cuts down on time marking, freeing up lecturers to spend more time with students.
In the coming years, educators are likely to harness new technologies. For example, the Georgia Institute of Technology added a chatbot to the human teaching assistants. It was so successful that one student nominated it for a teaching award.
We may not yet know how technology will change higher education. What is certain is that it will make an impact. Technology makes it possible to improve access and reduce costs. It would be foolish to ignore that.
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