Aug 20th 2024

Beyond Borders: How Online Learning is Democratizing Education Worldwide

Online learning crossed geographical borders long ago. Online courses and collaborations have been available in the past decade. What makes us turn our attention to this accessibility now? Democratizing education worldwide. Accessible education makes it possible to have a globalized approach and provide individuals across diverse backgrounds a chance at high-quality education.

Bridging geographical divides

eLearning has the capacity to reach every nook and corner of the world that are physically difficult to reach. Online courses are available in any part of the world that has an internet connection. Prerecorded, downloadable courses can be useful for remote areas with poor connectivity. The flexibility of eLearning enables learners to avail education from areas prone to natural disasters and underserved communities where family, work, and other commitments take a chunk of their time. Personalization of courses helps them allocate time depending on their progress and interests. Learners can set a pace and complete the lessons per their learning style. Learning management systems can be easily tweaked to suit different languages and cultural backgrounds, enabling institutions to offer courses that are suitable for any global citizen.

Moreover, it fosters healthy conversations and collaborations between students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It simultaneously equips learners with the skills required to thrive in the digital world. Since online learning eliminates the need to commute, purchase books, and find accommodation close to institutions, it also lowers financial barriers. Many online courses are comparatively cheaper than enrolling in in-person classes.

Mobile learning expanding opportunities

Of all the households in the United States, 87 percent have access to a smart device. Some schools and governments also provide students with smart devices to help with online learning. Mobile phones are very common in households and are powerful learning aids. It is a highly portable medium that many comfortably use. It can be used to install learning apps and software. It makes education more accessible and economical, providing learning opportunities to a much larger group of people.

Digital literacy

Digital literacy is the ability to operate, understand, and analyze information and tools in digital spaces. Only when the aspects of digital literacy are incorporated into education practices can learners survive in the increasingly competitive and highly connected digital world. Online learning serves to be one such platform where learners, teachers, and parents interact, collaborate, and work with others online. It teaches good digital practices, which is essential for any industry.

Digital divide

Although eLearning has numerous benefits, we have to consider factors like the availability and affordability of technological infrastructure, connectivity, and digital literacy that cause the digital divide. This can be overcome only by enhancing connectivity and flexible educational platforms and uplifting community centers like libraries that offer free internet, software, and device usage.

Online learning is revolutionizing education around the world. It is the beginning of an era of inclusive and equitable education. Amnet’s eLearning solutions can help you expand your reach and make your resources accessible to all. Reach out to us now!

Sources

https://www.lisedunetwork.com/how-elearning-break-down-geographical-barriers-to-education/

https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/digital-divide-in-education/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/online-learning-unlocking-education-beyond-borders-rupesh-kr-sahu-ycq0c/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/12/03/addressing-the-digital-divide-in-education-technology-and-internet-access-for-students-in-underserved-communities/ https://schoolbox.education/blog/5-benefits-of-mobile-learning-in-the-modern-classroom/

https://www.learning.com/blog/proven-strategies-support-digital-literacy/

https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/hub/increase-your-digital-literacy.html