The market for distance learning programs is divided into three segments, namely K-12 learning, higher education learning, and corporate learning. It should be clear that “distance learning” in current practice includes online learning, e-learning, flexible learning and blended learning. In 2012, analysts estimate that the distance education market will be US$90 billion. It is projected to reach US$220 billion by 2017 where the equivalent market share of the three segments would become: K12: 27%, Higher Education: 58%, Corporate: 15%.
World market leaders
In the Higher Education segment, online courses are mainly offered by the best online universities around the world. The Open University of London, one of the pioneers in distance education, is currently one of the largest providers of distance education programs for local and international students in Europe. In the United States, the Harvard Extension School and the University of Phoenix are known for offering a wide range of distance education programs. These programs are delivered in the form of video, live web conferencing, and hybrid (combination of on-campus and online delivery models). Today, the US and European markets represent more than 70% of the global distance learning industry.
Global growth trends
Research companies are optimistic about the future of distance learning. There are predictions that by 2019, nearly half of all classes worldwide will be taught online. The rapid rise of Internet technology and ongoing academic revolutions are positive signs that the global market for distance learning programs will continue to expand. In fact, this anticipated growth is evident in the market survey conducted by Study Portals in 2013. Based on their survey on the global demand for distance education, all seven continents are showing interest in adopting distance education programs in their systems. educational. Notably, Europe has the most interest, at 45%, followed by Asia and Africa at 25% and 13%, respectively.
Asian market
In Asia, the adoption of distance education programs has been significant in India, China, Pakistan, South Korea, and Malaysia in recent years. The size of the distance learning market in India alone was valued at US$20 billion in 2014. It was reported that China’s online education market revenue reached approximately US$13 billion in 2013. With the With the presence of online universities and colleges offering online courses with affordable tuition rates in the region, Asia is also becoming a popular study destination for many international students.
Some of the most distinguished online universities offering distance learning programs in Asia are Open University of China (OUC), Korea National Open University (KNOU), Open University of Malaysia (OUM), Allama Open University Iqbal University (AIOU), ASEAN Cyber University, Asia University, Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU), Indonesian Open University, and University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
african market
For many analysts, the market for distance education programs is still in its development stage in the African region. In the last two decades, distance education programs are taught mainly at the basic education levels. Despite the growing number of public and private institutions offering distance education programmes, existing information and communication technology remains insufficient to meet the huge and growing demand for distance education in Africa.
In the higher education sector, the three best-known online universities offering distance learning programs in Africa are the University of South Africa (UNISA), the African Virtual University and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). In 2011, Hanover Research estimated that less than 45% of students in Africa are enrolled in higher education. But with the emergence of more virtual campuses, a significant increase in tertiary enrollment in the region was observed in the following years. And with the ongoing collaborative efforts of local and international agencies, specifically the South African Council for Higher Education, the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE), UNESCO, and national governments in Africa, analysts are optimistic that the market for distance learning programs in the region will be able to meet the demand in the coming years.
On a larger scale, distance education programs now play an important role in improving the quality of education systems in many countries around the world. With the introduction of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in 2012, more online universities, e-learning schools, distance education providers, and top colleges and universities participated in this dynamic educational market. The United States, the United Kingdom, China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, and Africa are among the nations now leading the way in distance education. Enrollments in online courses in these countries are increasing. Today, it is estimated that there are around 19 million students enrolled in online courses at higher education institutions around the world.
