The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various aspects of our lives, including education. With schools and universities shutting down to curb the spread of the virus, students and educators had to adapt quickly to remote learning. This shift to online education has accelerated the demand for digital learning technologies and professionals who can create engaging and effective online courses.
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global e-learning market size is expected to grow by USD 72.41 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of almost 14% during the forecast period. The pandemic has played a significant role in driving this growth, as traditional educational institutions had to shift to online learning quickly. The report also suggests that North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the e-learning industry, with the United States being a major contributor to this growth.
In the US, digital learning has been gaining momentum for years, with online courses, webinars, and other forms of e-learning becoming increasingly popular. However, the pandemic has accelerated this trend, leading to a surge in demand for online education. According to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), about 70% of US teachers used digital learning platforms for their lessons in 2020, up from only 20% in 2018.
The growing demand for online education has created new opportunities for professionals who are skilled in digital learning technologies. Educators who were once hesitant to embrace technology have had to adapt quickly to the new environment, leading to an increased demand for training and support in using digital tools for teaching.
Furthermore, the demand for professionals who can create engaging and effective online courses has also increased. Online courses need to be designed in a way that is engaging and interactive, keeping students motivated and interested in the learning process. This has led to an increased demand for instructional designers, course developers, and other professionals who can create high-quality e-learning content.
To meet this growing demand, many educational institutions are now offering online courses and programs to equip educators and other professionals with the necessary skills to create effective e-learning content. For instance, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Education in Digital Learning degree, which equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to design and deliver effective digital learning experiences.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for online education, and this trend is likely to continue in the post-pandemic era. As a result, there is an increasing demand for professionals who are skilled in digital learning technologies and can create engaging and effective online courses. The US is at the forefront of this trend, and the e-learning industry in the country is expected to continue growing in the coming years.