Many are turning to edtech apps and learning platforms for their upskilling needs. For some, it is the abundance of time, for some others, it is a thirst for knowledge. Edtech players are providing many avenues for skill development, entrance exam training, and certified courses from qualified teachers. With a certification, it also becomes easier to stand out among others in a CV-driven hiring scenario, and move up in their careers. The latest industry report on the edtech sector, launched by digital marketing company Social Beat, summarises useful insights into the journey of a consumer before and after taking an online course.
Popular edtech platforms
The most sought after edtech brands are Unacademy, Byjus, Udemy, upGrad, and Vedantu. Unacademy, Udemy, and Coursera rank highest in converting people who said they had heard about the brands into its users.
Finding the right fit
The process of picking the right course in one’s field of choice can be a difficult task, given the variety of options and the specific needs of an individual. Nearly 26 per cent of the people rely on Google to find their desired courses, while 58 per cent discover them through digital advertisements, in which factors such as brand name, faculty credentials, course value and testimonials play a crucial role.
Pre-evaluation
The top 3 pre-evaluation criteria before signing up for a course include — course structure, qualification of the tutors, and affiliated universities. To check and verify these pre-requisites, 39 per cent of users depend on social media, 32 per cent go to official brand websites, and only 12 per cent discuss with peers to make their decision.
Learning effectiveness
While measuring learning effectiveness, 64 per cent of the course takers voted for quality of course materials and teaching quality, 56 per cent voted for course structure, and 52 per cent voted for performance in assessments. 39 per cent of edtech users prefer a hybrid model of learning (online + offline) as it is more effective and easier to use. According to the study, adults find the online mode more compatible as the courses can be taken in flexible timings and at their own pace while also having occasional offline interaction that gives it a personal touch.
Drop out or not
The rate of dropout is at 39 per cent. It is because long lectures, lengthy texts, and unending assignments lead to the student’s lack of focus. Other factors such as little to no interaction with peers and technical difficulties while attending courses online also lead to the high rate of dropouts.