On-demand Education, A New Method of Learning

Currently, CLASSUM is interested in exploring changes in the EdTech industry. CLASSUM carefully analyzed and selected five trending keywords — the fourth is On-demand education.

EdTech is rapidly growing through advancements in technology and changes in the learning habits of a new generation. Nowadays, learning is not restricted to actual classrooms because in-person learning can be time-consuming and costly. It is challenging for educators to keep up with rapid changes by developing new curriculum and instructional content accordingly. Learners are also demanding a new method of learning that can help them improve core knowledge and skill effectively.

On-demand education allows learners to gain essential knowledge and skills quickly with no time or place restrictions. It focuses on providing content catered to each student’s learning ability. On-demand education provides real-time classes and creates a horizontal learning environment by matching learners to educators.

Subscription-based Learning

The subscription culture is utilized globally. Customers use subscription services to access content or services of their preference, paying monthly or annually. Global institutions such as Netflix, Youtube Premium, and Amazon Prime optimize the subscription method. According to Gartner, a global information technology research company, 75% of business-to-customer businesses plan to utilize the subscription service by 2023.

In the education industry, online learning tools are purchased in advance. This becomes a significant limitation as customers cannot cancel their purchases even if they wish to. With subscription-based education, learners can access various learning materials or lectures that fit their preferences and needs at any specific time. Subscribers have access to any learning materials with no location restriction.

By providing subscription-based learning, educational institutes can generate more loyal customers from new customers. For example, Coursera offers a service called “Coursera Plus,” an annual subscription plan of 399 dollars or a monthly subscription plan of 59 dollars. Subscribers have unlimited access to online learning materials. Additionally, LinkedIn provides a subscription service called “LinkedIn Learning” for customers to access approximately 15,000 lectures at a monthly cost of 19.95 dollars.

Micro-credentials

Necessary information and skills are changing. Still, many higher education institutions’ educational systems and structures have limitations in responding to these changes. In looking for ways to provide a personalized curriculum to their students, many colleges and universities have begun to consider utilizing micro-credentials as an alternative plan to satisfy the needs of students. Micro-credentials are alternative digital credentials achieved through a student’s learning history.

According to Holon IQ, the following are the six areas one can earn Micro-credential: Short Courses/Badges, Bootcamps, Professional Certifications & Licenses, Non-University Issued Non-Degree Certificates, University Issued Non-Degree Certificates, and Degree-Programs/Accredited Programs.

A micro-credential is a personalized learning curriculum achieved within a short period. It integrates online and in-person education; thus, students can choose from a more comprehensive range of options. According to Credential Engine’s analysis paper, 967,734 Micro-credential degrees have been achieved through MOOC, Massive Open Online Course, since February of 2021. There is a rapid increase of students taking advantage of Micro-credentials. In fact, Micro-credentials are predicted to become the center of attention in the education industry, doubling student participation within the next three to five years.

EdTech makes it easier to meet diverse learning needs by helping people forge their own learning paths. Some communicative learning platforms such as CLASSUM can create a space for different learning modes, formal and casual, self-paced and cohort-based, and instructor-led and co-generate. People can easily set up a space for professional development, mentoring, working on a project as a team, and hosting events in CLASSUM.

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Reference

, 「Counting U.S. Postsecondary and Secondary Credentials」, 2021

, 「Micro & Alternative Credentials. Size, Shape and Scenarios — Part 1」, 2021 https://www.holoniq.com/notes/micro-and-alternative-credentials.-size-shape-and-scenarios-part-1/