In March 2020, COVID-19 drastically altered daily life on a global scale. Although the technology that we use was already evolving rapidly, the pandemic thrust us into a society that has become even more digitized than anticipated.
Education is no exception. By 2024, the online education market is predicted to be worth an astounding $72.41 billion. In the wake of social distancing regulations, video conferencing has become the norm for educators and students alike. However, as the world begins to heal from the pandemic's effects, many in the education sector are left wondering if our classrooms will return to their pre-pandemic state.
Initial data suggests that some changes are here to stay. In particular, it seems like video conferencing has solidified its place in education post-COVID, permanently altering how we learn and offering unique benefits that traditional lecturing does not.
Inclusivity for Distance Learners
Online education via video conferencing makes receiving a quality education more accessible for students who may not be able to attend class in person, whether it's due to distance, their schedule, or health issues. It widens the scope of learning for those in rural locations that suffer from a lack of resources and makes high-quality education available to students across a wide spectrum.
For many people, completing higher education is their ticket to a better quality of life. Students who complete college earn $32,000 more per year than those who only have a high school diploma. However, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center concluded that 6 out of 10 students who entered college in 2012 still did not complete their degree after six years.
The majority of students who drop out of college do so because the traditional education system is not suited to meet their needs, such as people who must balance their education with critical responsibilities like working. These issues span across varying demographic groups of all races, ethnicities, and ages.
However, the pandemic demanded an increase in high-quality online education opportunities, making education post-COVID much more inclusive and flexible than ever before. Furthermore, this online approach to education appeals to the incoming generations of digital natives who value the freedom and flexibility of video conferencing technology.
Video conferencing capabilities also offer distinct benefits to distance learners, who might otherwise feel stressed and isolated at their lack of in-person access to resources.
- The ability to visualize complex concepts
- A sense of community with fellow classmates, despite the distance
- The opportunity to communicate with educators in a straightforward way
- An engaging, interactive online learning environment
The best video conferencing technology for your institution is highly dependent on your school's unique needs and layout. However, the right video conferencing software offers a more inclusive experience for distance learners and students that require more flexible school schedules. With video conferencing technology, distance learners can get a high-quality educational experience as though they were attending class in person.
Enhanced Learning Experiences
The implementation of video conferencing in the classroom offers unique benefits for students attending both digitally and in person. These give learners a leg up and increase student performance across the board.
To improve the quality of education at your institution and stay relevant in the digital age, audiovisual integration specialists can help set your systems up for success.
Increased Collaboration
Although traditional, lecture-style education may suit some students, studies have shown that many people learn and retain information better when they can visualize concepts and collaborate using video conferencing technology. In the classroom, educators are limited to their current environment, but modern video conferencing technology allows educators to expand their classrooms beyond the limits of four walls. People from all walks of life can communicate, share ideas, and improve the overall learning experience with the power of technology. As a result, video conferencing allows students to gain a broader understanding of the world at large.
Strengthened Curriculum
Given the HD video capabilities of modern technology, the advent of clear audio, and the acceptance of new, virtual reality-based teaching methods, online learning is more impactful than ever before. For example, video conferencing allows students and educators to participate in realistic virtual field trips that would be impossible otherwise.
In addition, educators can use new technologies to transform the way that they craft lesson plans. The combination of online learning and video conferencing allows educators to collaborate with students across the country or even across the globe, representing many cultures and perspectives in class discussions and debates. As our education system evolves, video conferencing technology thus paves the way for a well-rounded approach to integrated learning.
Self-Paced Learning
Since classes with online learning materials are often prerecorded, students can approach learning with greater flexibility. The ability for students to learn at times most convenient for them and proceed through lessons at their own pace allows them to balance school with their other responsibilities. This is especially important for stay-at-home parents, students who need to work specific hours, or students with potentially disruptive health issues.
Self-paced learning supported by video conferencing technology allows students to record content and watch it on demand while maintaining the same standard of education they would receive online during a live class.
Competing for a Share in Online Education Post-COVID
As online learning becomes more prevalent, it's clear that institutions that wish to remain relevant must have the latest technology at their disposal. 92% of college students are currently under the age of 24, meaning they hail from a generation of digital natives. Given that most of these students came of age with access to advanced technology, it is natural to incorporate it within their educational experience.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, online education complete with video conferencing capabilities has rapidly become the norm. However, not all digital learning tools are created equal. Educational institutions must implement high-quality audiovisual technology to remain competitive in a fierce market. Students are unlikely to be impressed with low-brow technology, given that they are accustomed to having advanced digital experiences on a day-to-day basis.
As education costs rise, established institutions should work with a team of audiovisual integration specialists to ensure a professional finish to their systems. This will help entice potential students and provide current pupils with the best tools to foster their burgeoning education post-COVID.
Marketing by Joseph Studios
