E-learning trends in 2020

The e-learning market has had a monumental year, according to Adam Cohen, general manager at Payoneer Enterprise

The internet has radically changed the way people obtain information, and part of this digital revolution is the way we teach and learn. The current COVID-19 pandemic, however, is playing a major role in speeding up this learning process as millions worldwide turn to online platforms to continue their studies or find ways to share the knowledge they already have.

‘E-Learning in the Wake of a Pandemic’, a new report from Payoneer, an online payments platform, highlights the current trends in the e-teaching space and how the industry has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It surveyed e-teachers from over 40 countries, collecting their thoughts and insights into how they view their long-term prospects for working in this space.

The surge in online learning

When it was previously reported that over 6 million students worldwide enrolled in online courses in the last two years, Payoneer’s report reflects how this was matched on the teaching side with 48% of professional skills teachers and 38% of foreign language teachers also joining the online education industry within the last two years.

The demand for e-learning has certainly boomed. Reasons for this could be that video communication tools have advanced and enable people to more easily work or learn from home, freelancing is quickly becoming the preferred lifestyle of choice, and due to COVID-19 and the sudden shift to remote work, larger businesses and companies are now actively seeking remote talent who hold specific professional skills. The closure of schools, social distancing measures and the sudden shift to quarantine has meant millions of people, teachers and children worldwide have had to quickly adapt to a new reality; connecting solely online in order to teach work, and learn.

The encouraging potential to earn

Payoneer reveals the earning potential is also an attractive aspect that’s drawing in teachers worldwide. Indeed, 58% of foreign language teachers earn above US$500 per month and almost half of these earn between US$1,000–US$3,000 per month. Those teaching professional skills are even making over US$3,000 a month. Depending on where these online teachers reside, this level of income can offer a comfortable lifestyle, so it’s not surprising that an increasing number have turned to e-teaching in recent years.

When it comes to income, though, one of the key findings of the report is that 90% of online teachers would consider making online teaching their primary source of income – a strong indication as to how bright the future looks for those in this field.

“As we’re seeing spikes across many of these industries, digital platforms are experiencing sustained growth during a turbulent time, while also creating new opportunities for steady income through what may have otherwise been a ‘side hustle,’” said Scott Galit, Payoneer CEO.

It seems then that COVID-19 has certainly pushed e-teaching and learning into the spotlight like never before. With schools, organisations and employees finding themselves to be far more globally-connected, the tools and languages required to succeed in such an environment are likely to continue to be in-demand once the pandemic is over.

The future is bright

The COVID-19 pandemic swiftly forced millions worldwide to adapt to a new reality. While many moved to remote working, others found themselves with extra time, which they quickly channeled into new ways to communicate, teach and learn. Consequently, while e-learning was already enjoying steady growth, the industry has propelled forward at greater speed and expanded to wider audiences.

As seen in Payoneer’s report, it’s clear that the current economic climate has boosted demand to learn both foreign languages and professional skills. After all, when the world is so globally connected, students everywhere have recognised the need to stay ahead of the curve.

Meanwhile, those with something to teach are rapidly onboarding to e-learning platforms to either supplement their existing salaries or use them as their sole source of income. Indeed, when so many online teachers would consider making e-teaching their primary source of income , it’s clear that e-teaching has come into its own and, although there is much room to grow, all the signs show that the future is bright for this inspiring industry.


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