Innovation in higher education: E-learning in a new era

How will technology shape the university in the 21st century and contribute to reform higher education? Does the current education system prepare graduates for real-life? All these questions are legitimate and warrant genuine analysis. It is argued that disruptive technologies in e-learning like open source, virtual learning, augmented reality, and cloud computing will be inducing a paradigm shift in the education system in the future. Besides, a set of emerging technologies in education is likely to change the landscape learning. Technologies like gamification for learning, Massive Open On-line Courses (MOOCs), and personalized learning are likely to transform the conventional university model. Moreover, augmented reality, virtual learning, and web-based technology enabled the emergence of the Open University model which represents that is more adequate for informal learning for the new generation of digital learners. However, the challenge is to develop a business case for an innovative university that responds to demands of new generations of digital citizens.  

One of the key drivers for reform in the delivery of education is the rising cost of higher education and concerns about quality of outputs. This challenge can be overcome through technological innovation. A wide set of technologies were developed to support education including e-text books, gamification, simulation technology, flipped classrooms and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). In a recent study by Docebo, 2016 that looks at the trends in e-learning during 2017-21, it pointed out to the emergence of new platforms for e-learning that expanded the size of this market. In 2015, the global e-learning market size was about $160 billion and is projected to grow at 8% per year in the coming decade.  On-line courses like Coursera and Udacity has attracted attention of many users in the last decade worldwide and sizable investments are allocated which amounts to $60 and $100 million respectively. MOOCs attracted a huge interest worldwide; about 17 million used this mode of e-learning per year since its inception in 2015. Besides, adaptive and personalized learning that meets specific users’ needs are made possible by collaborative distance learning. The mobile-based learning market is expected to grow to $37.60 billion by 2020. 

The GCC is responding to the digital transformation. A recent study showed that e-learning industry in the Arab region amounts to about $700 million in 2016. In the GCC, a good example of harnessing technology in education is the model of Arab Open University which has branches in many part of the Arab world. Also, the medical college at Arabian Gulf University is utilizing technology-based simulation in medical education which help enhance students’ skills by promoting active learning.

In essence, it is crucial to build the capacity of educators to cope with the young leaners who are digital natives.  However, we need to be mindful that technological solutions are not a panacea and we need to address education governance, funding model and the business model for the universities of the future. 

Prof. Odeh Al-Jayyousi, Head of Innovation and Technology  Management, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain.  E-mail: odehaj@agu.edu