Why more countries need to embrace online learning

Janette Lister, Partnerships Manager, NCC Education

Trans-national education (TNE) is a buzz word that is thrown around a lot in my circles, used for any type of UK University provision delivered to students overseas, be it via off-shore campuses, franchise, validation or distance-learning and now we are starting to hear about the future of TNE through VR (virtual reality).

Education delivery is changing with the times, so how come some people are skeptical about non-traditional learning methods. When I tell people about what I do, even British people have asked me “Is that allowed?” or “Is that legal?”

I very rarely do my shopping at a traditional retail outlet these days, I do it all online for convenience as I am a busy working mum of 2, so why do people continue to choose to study in a traditional classroom environment that doesn’t suit their lifestyle?

Online study

This is not a new concept but far too often, especially in developing nations, I come across a reluctance towards it, like there is some mistrust, like it is somehow not of sufficient quality and is very easy to pass. I can tell you, most of our online students would disagree and say that studying online is hard! It requires a lot of self-motivation, drive and perseverance. The results, however, can be rewarding and even advantageous.

In a meeting I had with a university recently they told me that when reviewing scholarship applications, if a student has studied online they see them as having a real edge over other applicants as it shows more dedication, commitment and personal study skills.

Online study is not what it was, it is far from being passive and lonely in fact it is the opposite. With platform capabilities these days, courses can be immersive and engaging and I know our online students make lifelong friends around the world.

So how do we relay those fears and get the message out there that non-traditional study methods are simply a flexible way to study that compliments work/life commitments? Perhaps the answer is to offer sample online lectures, meet the teaching team, webinars etc.

I do think this is important to give people a taste of the course, but often the barriers do not come from the students themselves but from those funding them, i.e. parents and local governments who are concerned about the validity and the effect on local education systems.

I believe that the answer to this, perhaps in the short-term is a more mixed approach.

NCC Education have accredited partner centres who teach at Level 4 and 5 (equivalent to year 1 and 2 of a Bachelors degree) so we partner with local colleges and universities, (and in doing so support local education systems) to teach our own qualifications in a more traditional classroom environment and then we (NCC Edu) teach the final year online with UK Academics so they get the benefits of local support and UK teaching.

This way, the online study only kicks in once the students have matured a little and are more prepared for a more auto-didactic form of learning. We can then continue to satisfy funders by offering specific data sets on engagement and attendance in a much more effective & accurate way than with classroom study. The rise in remote invigilation now will also mean that we can invigilate examinations on a per student basis, thus virtually eliminating examination room malpractice & collusion which should smash any concerns over quality.

A blended form of study is only a temporary measure though, many countries need act fast to adapt or modify regulations to recognise online study options to widen access to education if they are to bridge the skills gap and increase employment rates.

For more information on our degree pathways and online courses please feel free to email [email protected] who will be happy to provide you with more details.