While Global Industry Analytics predicts the global eLearning market will reach $107.3 billion by 2015, driven by innovation in learning and teaching. They also highlight the demand for e-learning programs to train the globally dispersed workforce.
This is not only significant when it comes to meeting learning demands, but also reflects the global reach you can gain with e-learning initiatives. In addition to government or NGO funding, monetization methods vary from featuring subscription fees to having an attractive advertising ecosystem, etc.
Why is e-learning so important? First, teachers and instructors could reach millions of students. This means that the need for quantity to meet massive demand could be outweighed by quality, which is far more important. Second, philanthropy or otherwise, the industry is booming.
In Thailand, the government wants to promote education in the country by putting more emphasis on digital learning through tablets through the ‘one child, one tablet’ programme. Their goal is to transform their learning paradigm into a student-centric, one-to-one digital classroom to instill lifelong learning that enables students to learn anytime, anywhere. There are also many initiatives around the world using state-of-the-art hardware and quality content that have been really impressive recently. Sure, projects or initiatives like these could easily fall into the non-profit sector and, in turn, be considered non-commercial. However, the industry has proven to be extremely attractive around the world.
According to recent market research, the e-learning industry is growing at a rate of 15% between 2011 and 2016. In fact, this will double existing revenue to a staggering US$512.7 million by 2016.
go green!
The concept of e-learning services could apply to an existing business that is simply implementing more environmentally friendly methods of operation, or a start-up with a primary agenda revolving around providing a green product or service.
As with e-learning, the reasons for starting green businesses and initiatives are numerous. Not only is it commonly considered the morally right thing to do, but it will also help reduce taxes on your business and likely improve your public image. Having a better public image will increase the likelihood that people will buy your product or service.
First of all, just having green next to your company name will already make it stand out from the rest. It makes a good headline and triggers a positive image about the company’s brand! Some companies offer innovative solutions and sustainable business models and also support going green at the same time.
Education and e-learning are sectors that are often seen as charity rather than massive business opportunities. These sectors require private sector participation to a much greater degree, which is one of the reasons; both the government and multinationals want a slice of the pie.
