Why Online Schools Are Skyrocketing in Popularity

 

With an impressive annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% and a projected market value of nearly $170 billion in 2023, the online education sector is one of the more notable recent success stories. In one sense, you could see it coming; the world is increasingly digitizing as several industries move toward remote solutions and tech-enabled convenience. 

Still, the astronomical growth of online education caught some people off-guard. And stalwart education experts were left scratching their heads, wondering how – and more importantly, why – this sea change is happening. 

This article aims to answer the question. Here are four reasons online schools are skyrocketing in popularity. 

A Post-Pandemic Frame of Mind

Online schools were gaining popularity before March 2020 but faced an uphill battle. Namely, they had to convince parents and students that this novel education model was a better alternative to brick-and-mortar learning. And with something as pivotal as education, most weren’t ready to gamble on a new idea. 

Then the pandemic struck, which forced many students to try digital learning. Call it a “road test” of the model’s efficacy. Lo and behold, several students preferred learning online, finding it more convenient, flexible and conducive to success. Once the pandemic fizzled out, a new generation of students raised on digital learning started demanding a permanent online education. 

Modelling Education for the World Ahead

The pandemic’s influence on online education was significant – but ultimately circumstantial. If online education didn’t deliver the goods, it would have fizzled out alongside the pandemic. To get at the heart of its popularity, you have to explore its benefits. 

One undeniable benefit is that online education prepares students for the world ahead. We know tomorrow's workplace will be increasingly digital, favouring online communication, online administration, and multimedia components. E-learning’s focus on these proficiencies might better prepare students for their careers. 

Asynchronous Learning for a More Personalized Approach

Quality online schools like Ontario eSecondary School operate on an “asynchronous,” or self-paced, model. The student sets the pace, working as slowly or quickly through the material as they require. Contrast this with the synchronous brick-and-mortar education model, which asks students to follow a single, fixed classroom pace. 

The self-paced approach is more flexible, accessible and democratic. It understands that no two students are alike, and allows those students to personalize their relationship with school for better success rates. Naturally, this personalized approach feeds into online education’s popularity. 

Fast-Tracking Potential 

Because online schools are self-paced, students can work ahead in their courses and potentially graduate sooner. Instead of taking the standard four or five courses a semester, an ambitious student can take six or even seven. Similarly, since online courses have no fixed start or end date, an eager student can forgo portions of their summer break to work ahead. 

By doing so, a student can apply for the post-secondary school of their choice sooner than their peers, gaining an edge in the competitive student market. This fast-tracking potential makes online schools an attractive option for university-bound students. 

Online school might seem foreign to an older generation accustomed to physical books and pen-and-paper note taking. But don’t discount its potential, its benefits or – as demonstrated above – its skyrocketing popularity. 

Education