Why should educational institutes accept E-Learning as one of main training methods in the post-COVID 19 era?

The COVID-19 pandemic discontinued the old education and training systems all over the world. Maybe it would be unbelievable that millions of people in all countries were forced to experience a new method of learning and teaching. Later once the spreads seemed almost uncontrolled, countries started to close the schools, colleges, universities and all educational institutes.

Once the physical presence in educational spaces was highly limited, a notable series of the challenges which already existed, were started to become even more severe.  These problems mainly included the unfair accessibility to education and lower chances for the inferior groups. Some of the significant challenges are related to the internet, device and content accessibility for all learners. This ends to a considerable gap in learning process. One other important challenge is related to the lack of experience in virtual learning. Associated discussions tell that requirements for a convincing learning program including procedures, infrastructure, frameworks and standards should be identified correctly.

As many studies suggest, malfunctions in educational system have long term effects and it may even reach to next generations. It may also threaten the training achievements that have been accumulated and achieved over the past decades.

Many students may also withdraw from school or college next year coming as result of economic shock that pandemic has caused. These malfunctions in educational system will also have long term consequential issues which will show itself in the mirror of the society.

As physical education and learning system ceased, many difficulties created in delivering the basic requirements and expectations of learning process. Meanwhile, when the people lose their interest in academic educations increases, education industry could be affected severely. Despite many disastrous aspects of the COVID-19 virus, it created a must to be in accordance with the situation. In education industry, it increased the tendency to use different approaches and to be more creative. Soon, education routines changed and many institutes, schools and colleges started to use the capabilities which technology offers. Virtual learning approaches, e-learning methods and online learning platforms started to be more popular and many learners and teachers started to use these instruments during the coronavirus outbreak.  Private Institutes, state universities and government started to extend the infrastructures for virtual learning and foster a suitable environment in which everyone can easily connect to the learning process. Although different policy makers with different attitudes apply multiple methods to enhance the quality of learning during the pandemic but the result is wide application of online platforms. These platforms are offering both ready to study and online contents.

As discussed above, rapid spread of the coronavirus outbreak and lockdowns in the following months, made virtual learning a main aspect of daily life for many people all over the world. But it seems that virtual learning platforms should not be considered to be temporary. These platforms offered unique opportunities learners so the signs indicate that even after the pandemic era, remote learning methods will be lasting and attracting for many.

One main reason is the technological features of virtual learning as technology provides easier access and wider possibilities for learners to educational materials. It also brings flexibility and in depth learning experience both for learners and teachers. Therefore, it seems that COVID19 will have a permanent effect on education industry and could be considered as the key factor in digital transformation of traditional and place based education.

This transformation will have some subsequences. Both trainees and trainers must strengthen and freshen up their knowledge and skills.  They will need to be equipped with new set of digital competency. These competencies generally include creativity and innovation skills and knowledge. Rapid technological evolution and its application in education industry drive learners and instructors to be more creative and innovative.

Recent health crisis which pushed education industry into forced virtualization showed that there is a considerable ability and potential to adapt to digitalization and educational change. This can pave the way for progression in virtual and distance learning. But this potential should be nurtured. Systematic planning for training, strengthening existing capabilities and constructing innovative learning process can meaningfully nourish and ensure the digitalization programs in education.

Both trainers and learners should seriously engage in the professional development programs and these programs should be continuous and consistent.

The start of the vaccination program was like a shot of light in the darkness of lockdowns and distancing. But even if the situation goes back to normal, it seems that the virtual learning will be stable. Therefore, planning and programming to manage E-learning market will be crucial for any educational institute. This market is expected to rapidly grow even in the Post-COVID19 era. This has a message for the private and the state sector colleges and institutes and universities: they should revise their policies in accordance with the new educational trends and start to apply innovative training methods. The unwanted experience of virtual training should be referred and studied thoroughly. This can help policymakers to strictly identify the weaknesses and difficulties in the process of virtual learning. Addressing the challenges is a wise way to eliminate and minimize the effect of those detected ones.  The identification of these challenges and considerations can also help to remove barriers to fruitful activities in E-learning market.

Finally, in the post- COVID19 era it will be crucial to create an educational structure that

In the rebuilding phase, it is essential to establish an education system that seeks to cover up all educational needs and to attract the most eligible learners possible