Surging demand for E-Learning solutions in India

The ever-changing world of technology has transformed the lives of the young and the old alike. Smartphones, Wi-Fi, 2G and 3G technologies, and Web2.0 and 3.0 have revolutionized the way people interact across the world.

According to search engine giant Google, around 40 million Indians access the Internet through their mobile phones and download 30 million apps in one week.

A combined survey by global market research firm IPSOS and Google found that the age group 18 to 29 is using smartphones the most.

The world is moving at an unimaginable speed. Any information is just a click away whether it’s a game of Angry Birds or seeking information or status of stock markets. People are fast lapping up a wide spectrum of information on the web like updates on services in health and finance; housing and real estate news; stories about fashion and entertainment; and, travel and tourism updates.

Today, it is hard to imagine life without the Internet, and without its social networking sites, blogs and micro-blogging sites. This has brought in a radical change in the attitudes of people, and in the way they interact with each other. It has given birth to a “digital population,” and ushered in an E-learning revolution that thrives not only in the K12 segment but also in institutions of higher learning and the corporate world.

Therefore e-learning is evolving as the market demand. In the thriving milieu of e-learning activity, demand for customized E-solutions for mobile generation will continue to surge in India.

Research shows that there are currently in the range of 100 companies of varying size and scale in India in the E-learning sector with Delhi/NCR leading with 25% followed by Mumbai at 20%.

Portal market search.com predicts, “The e-learning market in India was valued at Rupees 18.41 trillion in 2010-11, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% in the near future.”

“Indian Distance Learning Market analysis”, report projects the distance education market growth in India at 24% during 2011 – 2016.

The factors driving the growth of E-learning solutions in Indian education include the projected increase in the population of young Indians (243 million in 2008 to 293 million by 2022), increasing awareness about education, huge demand-supply gap of teaching faculty (shortage of 12 lakh teachers at present) lack of infrastructure (2500 schools to be set through PPP to support government initiatives in XII Five-Year Plan), and lack of skills for the jobs in various segments.

The demand for e-learning solutions and effective delivery platforms with tools will undoubtedly continue to grow as the missions Right to Education, Education for All and No Child Left Behind continue to be the challenges for Indian education.

E-healthcare, web-based services to extend quality patient care, treatment and knowledge management are propping and demand extensive support of trained professional for E-governance of hospitals and services. Shift in demographics, more than 60% young population, rising awareness for good health are few of the concerns.

E-literate Indians opt for shopping online. Players like Flipkart, Home Shop 18, and Snapdeal have evolved as E-retailing markets.

The highly competitive world of global business is driving the demand for E-learning solutions in the corporate world, management, leadership and soft skills training, and product training.

The market also thrives with the advent of flexible learning, virtual classrooms, conferences, web seminars, customized content solutions, instructor-led training, blended learning, augmented learning and simulations across business domains and functions.

E-governance in India though is a challenge with low literacy and socio-economically weaker lots, yet measures at all levels are heading towards a better future. E-governance in Northeast India got a boost with the support of National Institute of Smart governance (NISG), Hyderabad.

To conclude, the transition to knowledge-based professional services cannot happen without adequate effort in training talent. Time constraints and cost effectiveness call for rapid e-learning solutions with low cost interactive, adaptable learning tools facilitating executive and operative performance to enhance education and service industries.

Education industry may it be E-learning solutions or tools supporting flexi learning is in for growth even in times of gloomy world economy. E-Learning is for real and here to stay.