Online education is answer to professional skills shortage

In today's competitive work environment, it pays to keep ahead of the game, especially where training and education are concerned. Time was when going for higher education meant one had to take time off from work. But now, with computer and internet penetration worldwide reaching unprecedented levels online education is becoming very popular. And the UAE is no exception.

Research shows there has been a huge growth in online accessibility in the region in the last 12 months, and this is a trend that has been replicated in other parts of the world. According to a research conducted by Madar Research Group, "The total spending on e-learning in the UAE is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 26 per cent to reach Dh206 million by 2013. Does this mean distance learning is gaining popularity in the region? What can we expect from an online degree? How is it different from a campus-based education?

Emirates Business spoke to Nick Hutton, CEO of U21Global, an online graduate school based in Singapore, to find out the answers to these questions.

Why are more people opting for distance learning now in the UAE?

Over the last five years, a big change has been taking place in the UAE. The population has grown to a large extent as more people from across the world come into the country to work. But according to the Asian Development Bank: "In the next few years, there will potentially be a massive skill shortage at middle and senior management levels as the economies continue to grow." And at the rate the UAE is going, and it's going well, the question is how do you fill that skill shortage? The way you tackle skill shortage is by making sure there are more graduates, MBAs and technically trained people.

But if you're a middle-level manager in a multinational corporation, investment company, or banking, how are you supposed to leave your job for one year to get better education? You can't do it. It's impossible and so what happens is, you don't do it at all and the skill shortage continues. So in the end, there's only one way to do it, online.

In the UAE, companies are facing serious challenges in retention as the mobility of the workforce has increased and they realise that training and development of "human assets" is paramount in building the DNA of their organisations. So if they would like to create a better and competitive environment, with the dollar weakening and the US challenges, companies, particularly multinationals need to become more competitive. They are currently seeking managers who have, international perspectives, cultural awareness, higher management training, soft skills and the ability to work in cross-cultural settings and in groups.

Given the fast-paced nature of global businesses, executives should have the leadership and strategic vision to help companies seek new markets and partnerships. And online higher education may be the solution as it can provide corporations and individuals with a variety of graduate-level or specialised programmes.

At U21Global, we currently have more than 4,000 students from more than 65 countries enrolled in a wide range of graduate-level programmes and customised corporate programmes. In the UAE, we have 350 students currently.

Can you compare the current e-learning scenario in the UAE to what it was a few years ago?

There has been a huge growth in online accessibility in the region in the last 12 months, and this is a trend that has been replicated in other parts of the world. There was a time when students interested in online learning would not find adequate information about online courses on the net. Now that's not so.

What is the distance learning business worth right now?

For the UAE, corporations are now starting to embrace e-learning more enthusiastically. As stated by Madar Research Group, UAE's e-learning market, estimated at Dh52 million, will surge to Dh206m by 2013.

Employers already recognise the advantages of online learning. For instance, a number of corporations and government agencies, such as Hewlett-Packard, ExxonMobil, HSBC, Maersk Shipping, Standard Chartered Bank, the Ministry of Defence in Singapore and Aditya Birla Group in India, sponsor their employees to study at U21Global. Also from the Middle East, Emirates NBD and eTQM have enrolled their employees in our blended programmes. Students are working professionals, in their mid-30s, with an average age of nine years of work experience.

Has the global economic downturn affected distance learning?

These are good times for distance learning. The technology is better, applications are on the increase and even the global economic uncertainty seems to be helping the sector. There are signs that distance learning, once merely one option among many is becoming some students' first choice.

For example, the cost of a full time MBA might prompt a student to think again about leaving the workplace in an economic recession to study full time. But for online delivery, such considerations do not come into play. Technological advances mean more content can now be delivered online rapidly, flexibly and most importantly – cheaply.

Also, the growth of online social networking has led to virtual communities of MBA students who interact with others from all over the world.

Another attribute for the success of online courses is the change in the style of education, with a move away from teacher-centric to learner-centric study. Also as time management becomes more pressing, online delivery becomes increasingly viable.

Finally, with the global economic uncertainty ahead, online learning – cheap, flexible and ubiquitous – appear to be the solution for those who wish to learn and work at the same time.

How is it different from campus-based learning?

Online learning is usually more cost-effective. Campus based post-graduate programmes have very high course fees whereas online programmes typically provide the same or better quality education at a lower cost. In addition, travel time that's required for students to attend lectures away from work is significantly reduced. Also, experience gained from online learning may be superior compared to the traditional campus-based learning because the online interactive learning environment requires students to be more actively involved.

What can we expect by obtaining an online degree?

On the individual level, online courses offer complete flexibility, enabling students to better manage work-life. Such courses allow managers to organise their studies around work and family commitments, and not the other way around. Students of online programmes can study on their own time and at their own pace.

As for the business world, where everyone is gradually getting used to the idea of online learning, there is a perceptible shift in corporations looking at online options for new and exciting ways to motivate and retain managers and employees.

For corporations, online learning is not only a flexible option, but provides a cost-effective means to developing managerial skill sets and critical business knowledge.

What are the other advantages of distant learning?

Online degree programmes provide a real alternative for time-starved managers, a reason why they are popular in today's increasingly hectic and highly competitive world.

Next comes greater participation. Our experience has also shown that in a traditional learning environment, there are only a few students who participate actively in class, and most students do not participate at all. Reasons could be culture, a shyness or a lack of development of the medium. Whereas in an online programme, everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in class discussions, making them more balanced and effective – therefore, there is more equity in the virtual classroom.

Then there is cost and immediate payback. Often, students attempting to undertake postgraduate courses are working professionals and are either unable or unwilling to halt their careers to pursue higher education. However, with the development of online learning, students can pursue a postgraduate education while continuing in their career.

What are the disadvantages?

There are no disadvantages to distance learning only misconceptions.

One of these so-called weaknesses of online learning programmes is that students are deprived in terms of networking opportunities due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. Our experience with students from 65 countries shows in reality global networks are built through their interactions via the online discussion boards and team projects. Students then take advantage of their business travels to meet up with each other. Many studies have shown discussion board postings and team projects provide interaction between students that is often more rich and intense than that which takes place in a brick and mortar classroom.

Therefore, in your evaluation process, do ensure that the online institution is equipped with advanced digital facilities for active online interaction.

Are there any cases of discrimination against people who have done professional courses online?

None that I am aware of and there is no ground for discrimination, too. For example, in the case of U21Global, the process that we use, pedagogy, qualifications, content quality, delivery methods, teaching faculty, assessment, are all approved by 17 top universities in the world. Plus the certificate you get at the end is with the crest of the university you studied with. I cannot believe any company who sees that certificate will turn around and say that it's not worth anything.