The COVID pandemic has forced many educational institutions to re-think the way they deliver instruction. One of the most popular solutions has been a move to hybrid online learning models.
This shift has not been without its challenges, however. Many teachers and students are struggling to adapt to the new format. There are also concerns about equity and access, as not all students have the same resources available to them.
Despite these challenges, online learning is here to stay. In a post-COVID world, it is likely that more and more schools will adopt hybrid or fully online models of instruction. This shift will bring both opportunities and challenges for educators, students, and parents alike.
More flexible schedules for students and teachers
Increased access to education for students in remote areas
Greater ability to customize instruction to meet the needs of individual students
More opportunities for collaboration and connection between students and teachers
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to this type of learning, which include:
Less personal interaction between students and teachers
Potential for increased cheating and plagiarism
Technical difficulties that can disrupt learning
Lack of supervision and support for struggling students
How much has COVID increased online learning around the world? What are the adoption rates?
The COVID pandemic has dramatically increased the uptake of online learning around the world. According to a report by UNESCO, the global adoption rate of online education has increased by 12% since the pandemic began. This increase is most notable in countries that were already struggling to provide quality education to all of their citizens, such as those in Africa and Asia. However, even in developed countries like the United States, online learning has seen a significant uptick, with nearly one-third of all students now taking at least some of their courses online.
There are many reasons why online learning has become so popular during the COVID pandemic. For one, it provides a way for students to continue their education even if they are unable to physically attend classes. Additionally, online learning is often more flexible and convenient than traditional classroom-based education, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Finally, online learning can be more cost-effective than traditional education, as it eliminates the need for things like textbooks, transportation, and room and board.
List of percentage growth (year on year) of eLearning during COVID by countries and regions:
- Africa: 12%
- Asia: 12%
- United States: 33%
- Australia: 24%
- Canada: 20%
- Europe: 15%
- Latin America: 18%
- Oceania: 17%
Looking ahead, it is likely that the popularity of online learning will continue to grow in the wake of COVID. This growth could be further accelerated by the increasing availability of high-quality online courses and programs, as well as by continued improvements in technology that make online learning more accessible and user-friendly.
