Create and sell courses in minutes with ClassBuilder

The Growth of the Online Learning Industry in the Last 5 Years

Over the past five years, the online learning sector has experienced significant growth and development. As more and more people seek to gain new skills and knowledge, online learning has emerged as a convenient and accessible option for learners around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the growth of the online learning sector over the past five years and examine some of the global statistics that demonstrate its rise in popularity.

One of the most significant trends in the online learning sector over the past five years has been the growth of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). MOOCs are online courses that are free and open to anyone with an internet connection, and they offer a wide range of courses on a variety of subjects. In 2016, the number of MOOCs available was estimated to be around 6,000, but by 2021, this number had increased to over 15,000, representing a growth of over 150%.

Another trend that has contributed to the growth of the online learning sector is the rise of online degree programs. Many universities and colleges now offer online degree programs, which allow students to complete their studies remotely. This has made higher education more accessible to people who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus programs, such as those who live in rural areas or have work or family commitments that make attending classes in person difficult.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role in the growth of the online learning sector over the past year. With many schools and universities closed or operating at reduced capacity due to the pandemic, more students than ever before turned to online learning as a way to continue their studies. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital learning technologies by up to five years, and the online learning sector is expected to continue to grow as a result.

Now let's take a look at some global statistics that demonstrate the growth of the online learning sector over the past five years:

• According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the global online education market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.26% between 2020 and 2025.
• A survey by the Babson Survey Research Group found that the number of students taking at least one online course increased by 3.9% in 2017, and by 2020, 35.3% of all higher education students took at least one online course.
• In 2018, the global MOOC market was valued at $3.9 billion, and it is expected to reach $25.3 billion by 2025, representing a CAGR of 29.3%.
• A report by HolonIQ found that global edtech investment reached $16.1 billion in 2020, representing a 32% increase from the previous year.

In conclusion, the online learning sector has experienced significant growth over the past five years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its adoption even further. With the increasing availability of MOOCs, online degree programs, and digital learning technologies, online learning has become an accessible and convenient option for learners around the world. As the global online education market continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovation and development in this sector in the coming years.