While the term e-learning came to be only in 1999, since then, it has grown to become a global phenomenon worth billions of dollars. Similar words such as online learning, LMS, virtual learning, E-Learning, and education tech, also came to be at the same time. While they were coined in the late ’90s, these principles have been in practice way back in the 19th century.
Thanks to growing rates on internet penetration and the availability of mobile devices, this industry has been making inroads into the Indian economy as well. In this article, let us take a look at how E-Learning, LMS systems, and Virtual Classrooms have grown in India.
History of E-Learning
One of the first long-distance courses in the world was the teaching of shorthand to students over correspondence by Isaac Pitman in the 1840s. Later on, in 1924, the world’s first testing machine that allowed students to test themselves was designed. A Harvard professor built a teaching device in 1954 that helped teachers instruct students. With the advent of technology, the 1960s brought with them computer-based training programs.
Top E-Learning web development companies around the world feel that MACs in the 1980′s were the first time individuals opened up to the idea of virtual classes. The next ten years saw the adoption of virtual learning and live classes by schools and colleges, and by the time the 2000s arrived, E-Learning was here to stay. Now we know about how the current system of virtual learning came to be, let us take a look at how India has continued to grow with regards to online learning.
Drivers of E-learning Growth in India
- Improving rates of Internet penetration
- More and more people moving towards smartphones and tablets
- Removal of geographical constraints
- Provides an affordable alternative to traditional forms of education
- Virtual classrooms and live classes are a lot more flexible
- Diverse options when it comes to courses and certifications
- Advancements have led to the creation of more immersive and engaging course content
- Does not require any physical infrastructure
- Traditional models are no longer able to fulfill present-day requirements
E-Learning Growth in India
With India about to add 500 million new users to its 370 million-strong base of internet users, the e-learning industry in India will grow significantly in the years to come. While internet penetration had been restricted to urban areas, with more and more rural areas getting access to the internet, E-learning product development companies are waiting for this to impact the online education industry.
Top e-learning web development company, Xornor Technologies, which helps institutions with Virtual classroom integration feels that e-learning is a much more flexible system when compared to traditional schooling. eLearning provides people with a plethora of options, and as per a report by KPMG, more private universities will start offering eLearning courses in the next two years. The higher education sector in India is witnessing a broader acceptance of online education.
Government’s Role in Growing eLearning in India
The Indian government is also very keen on bringing about this transformation and continues to promote e-learning technologies. The Ministry of Electronics and IT has pinpointed Virtual classrooms, online education tools, and e-learning websites as integral parts of new India’s education industry.
The government has also been helping with the R&D required to support such e-learning initiatives. They are also providing financial support to institutions committed to delivering ed-tech solutions. A study by Technavio predicts India’s e-Learning market to grow at a CAGR of 20% this year, making it worth 18 billion US dollars.
Meanwhile, a report by KPMG states that by 2021, this e-Learning industry will grow at six times the rate it is now increasing. This will result in more than 9.5 million students depending on virtual classrooms and online live classes. While the number of students enrolled in such courses amounted to only 1.6 million in 2016, this number will grow in leaps and bounds in the future. Furthermore, such large-scale adoption of such technologies will lead to revenue generation of up to $1.96 billion.
Similarly, even on a global scale, the e-Learning market will grow exponentially, hitting the 243 billion-dollar mark by 2022. All these forecasts prove beyond a reasonable doubt that top e-Learning web development companies, such as Xornor Technologies will lead the charge when it comes to this transformation within the education sector.
Move Over, Traditional Education
The Indian education industry is becoming more and more dependent on the internet and other ed-tech tools. Even online searches related to Virtual classrooms, Live classes and E-Learning has doubled in the last two years, with more and more children considering such an option. This goes a long way in proving that children too are interested in exploring such options, as they grow tired of the traditional methods of education.
Since e-Learning opportunities allow them to enjoy classes from the comforts of their homes, such initiatives are increasing in popularity. The two most important sectors leading this transformation is reskilling and online certification, both of which will increase from $93 million to $463 million by 2021.
India’s e-learning market is already the world’s second-largest, firmly behind the US, which too will grow at a CAGR of 15%. Hence, it comes as no surprise that E-Learning is being viewed as a game-changer in the years to come.