The document discusses the rise of e-learning as the next significant trend in education, paralleling the growth of e-commerce. It outlines the advantages of e-learning, such as accessibility and flexibility, while also addressing challenges like student comfort, teaching adaptation, and information overload. The piece emphasizes the potential for continued growth in the online education market, driven by technological advancements and changing educational needs.

1. Is e-learning the next e-commerce?

2. What is e-learning?
e-learning (or, online learning) is the process of learning,
conducted through electronic or online learning platforms. The
use of the internet and gadgets like computers, tablets and smart
boards form an essential part of it. e-learning can be divided into
categories like Computer Managed Learning (CML), Computer
Assisted Instruction (CAI), Interactive Online Learning and so
on.
With the advancement of technology, e-learning complements
the brick-and-mortar mode of teaching and learning; the former
being deemed more democratic, flexible, portable, and
productive than the latter. Over time, and especially post the
Covid-19 pandemic, e-learning has made learning easily
accessible for large sections of the student populace, who cannot
avail it through conventional methods.

3. What is e-commerce?
e-commerce is the transaction of buying or selling products or
services online. Some commonly used technologies that e-
commerce uses include internet marketing, electronic funds
transfer, online transactions and mobile commerce, among
others. Hence, any form of business transaction which happens
using an electronic mode is categorised as e-commerce.
Why is e-learning the next e-commerce?
It is expected that the trajectory charted by, and disruption
brought forth by e-commerce will be closely emulated (and
perhaps, surpassed) by the proliferation and easy accessibility of
e-learning.
A number of factors, not least the tremendous social capital
inherent to it, are going to contribute to the ubiquitousness of e-
learning. Of course, the Covid-19 pandemic has only amplified
the adoption and penetration of internet based learning.
Between 2020 and 2024, the global online education market is
expected to grow by ~USD 250 bn (at a CAGR of 18%). These
effects can potentially affect generations of learners, across social

4. e-learning has democratised learning. A number of features,
often not available in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms,
make online learning attractive. Legacy institutions like Harvard
and Stanford are now jostling for a share of the e-learning pie
alongwith upcoming ed-tech start-ups like Byju’s, Coursera and
Unacademy.
Needless to say, the learning industry is currently undergoing a
paradigm shift. Observers and industry experts argue that the
world (and especially economies like USA, China and India) are
now witnessing an offline to online to omni-channel migration
in education. This path was treaded by the retail and commerce
industry a few years back (brought forth by disruptors like
Amazon and Uber (globally) and Flipkart (in India)).
One can, thus, list the features that appeal to the man on the
street and observe that they are uncannily similar across both e-
learning and e-commerce.

5. Challenges to e-learning:
e-learning has given way to multiple avenues of accessible
learning. However, there are a few challenges that may inhibit
the growth and penetration of this medium of instruction.
1. Comfort:
Students and learners in general are more comfortable studying
in a classroom environment; a conducive and non-distracting
option. E-learning may often leave the student lost, unless the
teacher facilitates real-time group interactions.
2. Ease in teaching:
Audio-visual aids have revolutionized learning across
generations. Teachers might find it difficult to adapt to a
completely new approach, especially in countries with low
exposure to internet. Also, a number of teachers are not digital-
first citizens. Thus, their ability to be comfortable in leveraging
online instruction remains a challenge.

6. 3. Lack of clarity:
While e-learning offers a plethora of options when it comes to
content, the overabundance of choices also has a negative side to
it. Too much information often causes the infamous problem –
“lost on the internet”, in students across age groups. Clear
instructions on course work can aid learners with a concrete
plan.
4. Boredom in students:
In a classroom setting, students derive a lot of motivation from
their teachers and fellow learners. Despite its multiple
advantages, online learning may often feel boring, cumbersome
and lonely. Thus, the solution is for teachers to ensure that all
students get the adequate amount of attention in each online
class.

7. 5. Reduced intellectual abilities:
e-learning can often hinder intellectual stimulation for students.
Over dependency on technology is a reason for people not being
able to logically organize their own thoughts or process
information. To prevent students from losing their critical
thinking and logical skills, it is important to have exercises like
quizzes and multiple choice questions.
The above points give a glimpse into the challenges for the
learner. There are also some industry level challenges to be
noted. Often people working on designing online courses have
to transform dull and unappealing subject matters to interesting
programs which will appeal to different generations. Other
challenges include finding qualified subject matter experts and
instructors, while balancing tight roped budgets and unrealistic
deadlines.

8. e-learning Platforms:
It is needless to say that IT and ITES can address most industry
and student specific challenges. New-age digital tools, scalable
platforms and tech-stacks, interventions like gamification and
animation aimed specifically at millennials, and more
ubiquitous and durable hardware products can synergise to
ensure the uptick of e-learning. Simultaneously, there is a huge
inflow of capital into education technology – as is evidenced by
a 44% CAGR growth (2014-2020) to USD 16 bn. This alludes to
the optimism around and the promise that this space holds.
Over and above the inherent challenges, externalities like
internet penetration and government and legal policies and
compliances will play a decisive role in the uptake of e-learning
– as it has done in e-commerce. Conversely, newer technologies
and innovations (like 3D tutorials, AI coaches, etc.) will fuel the
demand for online learning.

9. In fact, today, these four important factors drive online learning:
Employability – relevant education and skills for the upcoming
job market.
Skill Development – social and skill-based learning.
Entrepreneurship – flexible learning opportunities for people in
new businesses.
Education – Over 1.2 billion students are out of school, post the
pandemic. The learning for the students is happening digitally
or remotely.
Industry experts expect these factors to remain relevant for
decades to come. Consequently, the demand for online learning
seems to be perennial. It is thus, an important moment in the
timeline of education that we live in today. One where we are in
a flux from a traditional way of living to a life dominated, and
made simpler, by technology and innovation.

10. Final Thoughts:
Like other businesses, if you too are looking to develop IT
Solutions in Edtech industry, Mindfire Solutions can be your
partner of choice. We have gained significant experience over
the years working with Edtech Companies. We have a team of
highly skilled and certified software professionals, who have
developed many custom solutions for our global clients over the
years.

11. Thanks You
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