![Group of individuals sitting in a computer lab while an instructor discusses information on device.](/content/dam/global-store/en-us/images/Final-Empower-Your-Teaching-With-AI.jpg.transform/tiny-size/img.jpeg)
Reach new learners in the digital transformation of higher education
Institutions around the world were forced to take their higher education programs online in 2020, whether they were ready to or not. And although 33% of postsecondary school administrators plan to continue offering online course options after campuses reopen, many institutions are still hesitant about adopting this new digital-only learning environment.
It’s important to remember, however, that the global pandemic impacted nearly 1.6 billion learners and has changed the way we learn, work, and connect with each other — forever. How learners search for and engage with brands has shifted, and the type of online learning programs they’re looking for reflects that. Google recently reported an increase in the use of “online” as a modifier when people search for specific programs (e.g., online MBA instead of MBA). That’s because this type of learning environment is the new expectation for learners today.
And as a response to COVID-19, learners are focused on programs that can help them upskill and reskill quickly, with 18% of the 162 we surveyed looking for a special skill and 23% looking for a shorter alternative to a degree. Pearson Pathways anticipated this need and it’s why we included courses as part of our portfolio strategy from the start.
Unlike universities that now need to create and market courses individually to meet demand, Pathways has already done this and is able to provide learners with options that support their goals and are delivered in a format that’s familiar to them given the new way we learn and work.
Online education is the future of learning
Consider this: Enrollment increased at primarily online institutions 7% during spring 2021, compared to 5% in spring 2020, which means demand for online programs is on the rise. We all need to be ready for what this means for the future of higher education. If your institution has taken an active role in this digital transformation, there are ways you can support others as they do the same. Start by asking them the following questions:
How are you currently engaging with learners, and what can you do differently?
Are you doing enough to reach a diverse set of learners by looking outside your geographic areas and normal admissions territory?
What is your online learning strategy, and are you prepared to take on-campus programs online? If not, what are your next steps to make that happen?
Pearson Pathways was designed with today's learner in mind
At Pearson, we work closely with our institutional partners to ensure that they have the information and resources they need to be successful as they begin to offer more online courses to learners around the world. One way we do this is through Pathways: the first global online enrollment advisor.
Our goal with launching Pathways was to create a curated marketplace where learners can search, decide, and apply all in one place. And institutions can shine, highlighting programs and courses that match learners’ profiles.
We know that 84% of learners struggle when making a decision about their education, and we wanted to change that. So, we simplified the process by introducing a recommendation engine that provides personalized results based on the learner’s background and career goals.
After receiving their recommendations, learners can view their options side by side and then apply to multiple universities using our single application (saving them $300 on average). We give the learner complete control of their experience and ensure that they have a clear path forward, leading them from degrees to certificates to courses as they continue to upskill and reskill throughout their lifetime.
According to our research, when asked what they would do if their preferred program was not available in an online format, 52% of learners said they would find the program online at a different university. To make sure that every learner has equal access to affordable high-quality education, we work with top institutions to bring their programs online and help them navigate what going digital truly means for them.
Embrace the transformation to better serve online learners
The digital transformation in higher education requires more than updates to technology. It requires education leaders to shift their mindsets to better serve today's learners. Just think: artificial intelligence, lifelong learner support, integrated mobile experiences, tuition cost evaluation, personalized communication, and more. And for this to be successful, learners need to feel supported throughout their entire online experience, which starts when they begin their search for the right program.
Implementing large-scale changes at your institution may seem daunting, but knowing the implications of not moving forward, like decreased enrollments and loss of brand recognition, could give you the momentum you need. So the question is: What can you do now to prepare for the next generation of learners who expect flexible, fully digital higher education learning experiences?
Recently, we did a deep dive on this topic, discussing digital transformations facing higher education. If you missed Pearson’s session at Higher Ed’s Reset Leadership Summit, hosted by The Chronicle of Higher Education, watch the webinar replay.
Explore Pearson Pathways and how it can transform your digital course offerings.
Sources
Pearson Pathways Experience Survey, March 2021
Google Internal Search Data, Compares Jan-Dec 2020 to Jan-Dec 2019
Online College Students 2020: Comprehensive Data on Demands and Preferences
About the author
![Natasha Prospere](/content/dam/one-dot-com/one-dot-com/ped-blogs/blogs-images/bio-Matt-Celano-750x750.jpg)
Matt Celano
Matthew Celano’s digital marketing and strategy expertise help colleges and universities expand their brand’s reach and facilitate learner success. As senior vice president of student acquisition, Matt oversaw the planning, development, execution and strategic direction for marketing and recruitment for Pearson Online Learning Services. He led large teams of experts across all facets of research and marketing to help recruiters engage annually in more than 3 million conversations with prospective students, resulting in more than 40,000 student enrollments. Matt has a BS in business administration from the University of Central Florida. He completed the Dow Center's Advanced Leadership Training Program, and currently holds five patents.