Online education must evolve to meet the needs of learners and employers alike.
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Online education was once seen as a game-changer, promising accessibility, flexibility, and borderless learning. Platforms like SWAYAM, Coursera, edX, and Udemy have expanded learning opportunities for millions. However, low completion rates remain a major challenge. In India, less than 4% of SWAYAM students have completed their courses since its launch in 2017, while global MOOCs report completion rates of only 5-15%. Despite rising enrollments, retention is a challenge. A 2019 MIT-Harvard study found MOOC completion rates averaging just 3.13%. Coursera fares slightly better at 15% for paid courses but only 5% for free ones. EdX has completion rates of 10-12%.
This pattern reflects a global issue: attracting learners is easier than keeping them engaged. The parliamentary panel that studied the digital initiatives cites SWAYAM’s outdated content, rigid teaching methods, poor infrastructure, and untrained instructors as key issues. Also, the digital divide has worsened accessibility. Oxfam India’s 2022 report found that only 4% of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students and 7% of Other Backward Classes students have Internet-enabled computers.
Drawbacks
One of the most common criticisms of online courses is that the content is often outdated or irrelevant to learners’ needs. In a rapidly evolving job market, learners seek skills that are immediately applicable. However, many online courses fail to keep pace with industry trends. Many courses follow rigid structures that don’t account for diverse learner needs. Working professionals may struggle with fixed schedules, while students in rural areas face connectivity issues. The digital divide remains a major barrier. In India, only 24% of households have Internet access, according to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 2017-18 report. Even among those with access, low bandwidth, lack of devices, and unreliable electricity hinder participation. Online learning also demands a high degree of self-discipline and motivation, which many learners lack. Teachers, too, struggle to make online courses engaging. The parliamentary panel noted that SWAYAM instructors face inadequate training, low compensation, and technical hurdles, undermining their effectiveness.
A key recommendation is to link online education with job placements. Currently, most platforms, including SWAYAM, lack robust mechanisms to connect learners with employers. This disconnect reduces the perceived value of online courses, especially for job-seekers. Global platforms often collaborate with top universities and industry leaders to offer cutting-edge content. Paid courses on platforms like Coursera see higher completion rates, suggesting that financial investment increases learner commitment. SWAYAM, being free, lacks this incentive. Additionally, global platforms offer certifications recognised by employers, adding value to their courses. SWAYAM’s certifications, while recognised by some Indian universities, lack widespread industry acceptance.
Suggestions
The challenges to online education are significant but not insurmountable. Courses must be regularly updated to reflect industry trends and tailored to local contexts. For instance, SWAYAM could collaborate with Indian industries to address specific skill gaps. Instructors need better training to deliver engaging online content, including technical and pedagogical strategies. Governments and private players must work together to improve Internet access and affordability through initiatives like subsidised devices and community Internet centres. Gamification, interactive quizzes, and peer-to-peer learning can make courses more engaging, as seen with platforms like Duolingo. Establishing placement cells or partnering with recruiters can enhance the value of online courses. The parliamentary panel’s recommendation to connect SWAYAM students with employers is a step in the right direction. Courses should also allow learners to progress at their own pace and choose modules aligned with their goals. Micro-credentials and stackable certificates can add further value.
Online education is not a failed experiment but is far from realising its full potential. It can become a powerful tool for inclusive and flexible learning with targeted interventions such as updating content, improving teacher training, bridging the digital divide, and linking education to employment. Abandoning it is not the solution; stakeholders must work collaboratively to address its shortcomings. As the world welcomes digital transformation, online education must evolve to meet the needs of learners and employers alike. Only then can it fulfill its promise of democratising access to quality education.
The writer is Professor and Dean, Christ University, Bengaluru.
Published – March 29, 2025 03:00 pm IST