Online Education is Changing the Game
Just over a year ago, I was named the fifth President & CEO of OCLC. OCLC is a global technology company dedicated to connecting libraries in a global network to share the world’s knowledge. Part of our not for profit mission includes a research division dedicated to original research on a wide range of topics involving education, libraries and technology.
Cathy DeRosa, Vice President for the Americas, recently released a fascinating market research report about online education entitled At A Tipping Point. It is free and full of fascinating statistics. And, online education will not only have implications for education. It is already having a significant impact on corporate training.
In this brief five-minute interview, I talk with Cathy about the cost of higher education, online learning and the changes in the landscape ahead.
Here are a few facts from the research:
Mobile learning. 40% of adults ages 25-35 who have taken an online class have taken it on their mobile phone or tablet.
Convenience wins. The top benefit of online learning is convenience. 51% cited convenience compared to just 3% citing affordability.
Satisfied learners. 91% of online learners say their goals were met.
Gaining favor. 2/3 of online learners believe that online learning will continue to grow in popularity.
Online education = lower cost education. Nearly half of college students currently funding a college education think online learning will lower the cost of higher education. The same holds true for parents who help fund education costs.
Top-of-mind is money. The top-of-mind perception of a college education among parents is cost/debt. It is not a better way of life, brighter future or a career – but cost and debt.
Affordability rules. Parents say that affordability is the top evaluation criteria for selecting a post-secondary education institution. Quality of the education ranked fourth – behind affordability, degrees/programs offered and location/proximity to home.
