Even before COVID-19, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology. In Canada, the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association conducted a survey in 2018 that reported a potential 74 per cent increase in post secondary online course registration. They also found that 68 per cent of Canadian public post-secondary institutions see online learning as extremely (32%) or very (36%) important to their strategic and academic plan.

As reported by the World Economic Forum, global education technology investments reached US$18.66 billion in 2019 and the overall market for online education is projected to reach $350 Billion by 2025. Whether it is language apps, virtual tutoring, video conferencing tools, or online learning software, there has been a significant surge in usage since COVID-19. They also report:

• COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom.

• As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms.

• Research suggests that online learning has been shown to increase retention of information, and take less time, meaning the changes coronavirus have caused might be here to stay.

Millions of young, and mature, students across Canada have been flocking to online learning over the past decade. Today, they are expecting it, and they are expecting innovative educational technologies that will keep them growing, learning, and engaged while online.

1. How are employers creating a work environment for their staff that is online learning friendly?

2. What will CIOs and CTOs do to allow for more exploration of online learning options?

3. Will IT departments be resourced properly so they can spend time vetting possible solutions?

4. How are employers creating an environment that makes it easy for their staff to interact with stakeholders in an online/virtual world?

Hazardscape Management is setting an innovative direction in meeting the need for enhanced distance learning that values and ensures connection, community, and user ownership. Learn more by visiting our virtual 3D hub page today.

Author: Brad Ison is the founder and CEO of Hazardscape Management. A professional disaster and emergency management coaching company with a virtual 3D Hub. He’s held position specific roles in the Alberta Provincial Operations Centre and had a decade long career at the Alberta Emergency Management Agency where his focus was on Disaster Recovery and Training, Accreditation, and Standards.