Why is Online Learning not picking up?
Completion rates for popular online courses sit near 7%. A look at why e-learning stalls — and how AI could finally change that.
In today’s times, internet availability isn’t a major issue even in the most remote locations of the world. This makes it possible for people to reach almost anyone and to stay in touch with current trends. A few years ago, when the “online-learning” boom was starting, many said it would bring about a massive change in how people look at education — and that online-based learning could replace existing systems on a global level.
Initial arguments for online learning
The points that backed these arguments were mainly:
- The best teachers would be accessible, and the option of getting the best quality education would persuade people away from the current “school-going” system.
- Time management can be built up on a personal level, since classes can be accessed anywhere.
- Long travelling just to attend a lecture would no longer be a necessity.
The reality: low completion rates
Research indicates the completion rate for popular online courses is nearly 7 percent only. Students tend to fall out of their streamlined schedules very easily with this method of education.
Key challenges hindering e-learning growth
- No strict disciplinary mechanism for students.
- Interaction between students and teacher becomes difficult — many access a lecture together, and it is hard to keep tabs on a cluster of small screens.
- Teachers struggle to gauge students’ attention spans and focus.
- Lack of peer-group involvement when each student accesses lectures individually.
Future outlook
Fortunately, with the rise of technologies such as AI and machine/deep learning, these problems can be tackled — and e-learning will definitely see massive growth in the near future.