As we have stepped into 2023, Online learning has continued to rise and advance the modern education system. NCC Home Learning has uncovered the facts and stats of online education’s current and future trends, and they will blow your mind! So, Whether you’re an educator, student, or simply curious, join us as we discover the fascinating world of online learning stats and facts for 2023.
- Growth of Online Learning
- How Many People Take Online Learning
- Is Online Learning More Or Less Effective?
- Do Pupils Prefer Online Learning?
- Online Learning And Business
- Online Learning And Education
- Costs Of Online Learning
- Online Learning By Country
- Online Learning Platform Statistics
- Higher Education Statistics
- Online Course Creator Statistics
- Pros And Cons
- Sources
Growth of Online Learning
Online learning has experienced significant growth due to its technological advancements, increased internet accessibility, and the need for flexible education. Its convenience and flexibility have attracted working professionals and individuals with busy schedules. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated its adoption as online learning has allowed student education to continue after the pause caused by the pandemic offering students distanced learning solutions and completing studies whilst in isolation.
Distanced learning offers a range of benefits, such as self-paced learning and access to vast resources. It is expected to continue growing as technology advances. However, challenges like the digital divide and lack of face-to-face interaction persist.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Worldwide market growth for online learning (since 2000) | Over 900% |
| Projected worth of America’s online learning industry (by 2030) | $687 billion |
| Expected growth of online learning (2020-2025) | Over 200% |
| Estimated number of people taking online courses (by 2027) | Up to 57 million |
| Percentage of universities that moved classes online (since 2020) | 98% |
| Expected growth of the European eLearning market (2020-2024) | $28 billion |
| Growth rate of online learning market (since 2000) | 900% |
| Annual growth rate or mobile learning market | 23% |
| Expected growth of corporate learning (by 2026) | 250% |
| Proportion of top US universities offering eLearning courses | Nearly all |
| Increase in microlearning usage in 2020 | 700% |
| Average micro lesson completion time | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Average number of micro lessons per microlearning course | 4-5 |
| Retention rate from microlearning (vs. traditional learning) | 70% to 90% vs. 15% |
| Benefits of microlearning | Improved learning transfer (17%) Improved engagement (50%) Increased development speed (300%) Reduced development costs (50%) |
| Projected worth of mobile learning market (by 2027) | $80.1 billion |
How Many People Take Online Learning
Millions of people worldwide have actively embraced distance learning, fueling significant growth in online education. By 2021, estimates indicated that over 1.6 billion learners globally were engaged in online learning, spanning from primary school to higher education, and professionals seeking continuous learning opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic further expedited the adoption of digital platforms, as learners relied on them to sustain their education. As technology advances and accessibility to online learning improves, the online learning industry is projected to flourish in the future.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students studying online in 2020 | 51% female 49% male |
| Graduate students studying online in 2020 | 52% female 48% male |
| Projected number of online learning platform users (by 2027) | 57 million |
| Increase in students taking non-exclusive online courses (2019-2020) | 97% |
| Number of learners who enrolled in massive open online courses (last year) | Over 200 million |
| Proportion of online learners aged 30 or older | 42% |
| Percentage of universities currently offering online courses | 98% |
| Estimated revenue generated by the US online learning market in 2023 | $74.800 million |
| Percentage of companies globally planning to adopt online learning | 93% |
| Likelihood of low-income and rural schools having slow internet access | 50% more likely |
| Proportion of Black households without high-speed internet access | 25% |
| Proportion of Hispanic households without high-speed internet access | 23% |
| Teachers who find technology makes learning more interesting | 79% |
| Percentage of online activity attributed to video web content | Over 80% |
| College students who agree that eLearning is useful for managing course schedules | 36% |
| Countries using online platforms to ensure education access during the pandemic | 83% |
Is Online Learning More Or Less Effective?
The effectiveness of online learning is a topic of ongoing debate and research. While traditional face-to-face learning has advantages, online learning has proven equally effective or even more so in specific contexts. Numerous studies have shown that well-designed online courses can lead to similar or superior learning outcomes compared to traditional classroom settings. Online learning offers the flexibility to tailor the learning experience to individual needs, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and access a wide range of resources.
However, the effectiveness of online learning can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of course design, learner engagement, instructor support, and technological infrastructure. Additionally, some subjects or learning objectives may be better suited for face-to-face instruction. Overall, the effectiveness of online learning depends on various factors, and a combination of online and offline learning approaches can often yield the best educational outcomes.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of students who prefer online classes over traditional classroom settings | 70% |
| Retention rate of students in online learning (compared to 8%-10% in traditional learning) | 25%-60% |
| Time savings in studying with online learning (compared to traditional learning) | 40%-60% |
| Percentage of students who credit digital technology and online learning for grade improvement | 81% |
| Areas where students observe the most change with online learning (according to 85% of students) | Critical thinking and problem solving |
| Percentage of online students who report improved soft skills | 60% |
| Increase in failing grades due to the rise of eLearning | 30% |
| Lower completion rates for some students in online courses | Up to 22% lower |
| Increase in D and F grades for some middle school students with online learning | Up to 30% |
| Increase in failing grades for online learning in some regions | Up to 70% |
| Increase in failing grades for students with disabilities in online learning | Around 98% |
Do Pupils Prefer Online Learning?
Student preferences for online learning versus in-person studies vary. Some prefer online learning for its flexibility and convenience, while others value the face-to-face interactions and structured environment of in-person studies. Preferences can also depend on the subject matter, learning objectives, learning style and home situation. A blended approach combining both modalities can cater to diverse student preferences and optimise the learning experience.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of online course takers who recommend online courses | 95% |
| Percentage of online students who would recommend online education to others | 95% |
| Percentage of students who prefer online classes over traditional classroom settings | 70% |
| Percentage of students who find completing an online course easier than learning in a classroom | 36% |
| Market share of online education attributed to content learning | 59% |
| Percentage of educators lacking support for eLearning | Over 33% |
| Percentage of educators who need to redesign courses for online mediums | 33% |
| Percentage of educators aiming to improve accessibility to online materials | 39% |
| Percentage of educators concerned with improving student collaboration | 31% |
| Percentage of undergraduate and graduate students who consider online learning as effective as face-to-face instruction | 48% |
| Percentage of students who find online learning better than in-classroom lessons | 37% |
| Percentage of students who feel online learning is not as effective | 15% |
| Percentage of science teachers who find technology adequate for learning | 34%-48% |
| Most enjoyable method of learning for men | Watching videos online: 30.85% |
| Most enjoyable method of learning for women | Taking an online course: 30.97% |
| Percentage of men who enjoy one-to-one tutors online as a learning method | 15.52% |
| Percentage of women who enjoy one-to-one tutors online as a learning method | 10.55% |
| Percentage of remote learners who think their online degree was worth the money | 86% |
| Percentage of college students who find online learning extremely helpful for their homework | More than 40% |
| Percentage of students with previous online learning experience who found the switch to eLearning easy | 60% |
Online Learning And Business
Online learning has transformed employee training and development for businesses. It offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility for upskilling employees. Companies can deliver consistent training across teams, access a wide range of courses, and foster a culture of continuous learning. However, careful implementation and monitoring are essential for successful outcomes. Online learning empowers businesses to cultivate a skilled workforce and adapt to changing markets.
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of US corporations that have incorporated online learning (by 2020) | 98% |
| Improvement in employee performance with eLearning | 15%-25% |
| Percentage of companies providing online learning or training for employees | 77% |
| Increase in employee engagement with online learning in a corporate environment | Up to 18% |
| Increase in retention and performance with self-paced online learning | 25%-67% |
| Increase in revenue per employee for companies using online learning | 200%+ |
| Percentage of corporations that believe online learning increases their competitive edge | 72% |
| Projected worth of the corporate eLearning industry by 2026 | Nearly $50 billion |
| Percentage of companies globally planning to adopt online learning | 93% |
| Percentage of organisations that believe eLearning increases their competitive edge | 72% |
| Projected worth of the corporate online learning market by 2026 | $50 billion |
| Return on investment (ROI) in productivity improvement with eLearning | Every $1 spent improves productivity by $30 |
| Percentage of companies using online learning to close employee knowledge gaps | 62% |
| Amount saved by IBM through the switch from traditional training to eLearning | Almost $200 million |
| Percentage of global workers who believe there is a skill gap | Nearly 83% |
| Percentage of mobile users who state that mobile learning enhances their experiences | 99% |
| Percentage of companies offering eLearning through smartphones | 67% |
| Percentage of employees who would stay longer at a company if it invested in their career development | 94% |
| Increase in team member engagement with eLearning | Up to 18% |
| Percentage of companies offering online learning with increased income and profit margins | 42% |
| Time savings with online learning compared to classroom training in a corporate setting | 60% less |
Online Learning And Education
Online learning has transformed education by providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities, particularly during the peak of the global pandemic, which left students out of school and isolated. It has expanded access to education in formal, home and continuing education settings. Online platforms offer courses and resources, allowing personalised learning experiences and qualifications such as under and postgraduate degrees. While challenges exist, online learning is revolutionising education and is expected to continue playing a vital role.
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of universities that have shifted to offer online courses | 98% |
| Projected market volume of university-based education in 2023 | $103.8 billion |
| Percentage of individuals considering doing a university degree online | 31% |
| Most popular subject chosen by those who have completed an online course | Business (30%) |
| Increase in digital enrolment for online universities | 11% |
| Percentage of individuals using online learning tools at least once per day | 63% |
| Percentage reduction in study time for online college students | Up to 60% less |
| Percentage of US schools operating completely online during Covid-19 | 75% |
| Percentage of full-time faculty members trained in online learning | 49% |
| Percentage of undergraduates and graduate students taking at least one online course | Undergraduates: 75% Graduate students: 71% |
| Percentage of US households with school-age children lacking internet access at home | 15% |
| Most popular eLearning platform with over 50 million students | Udemy |
| Percentage of students reporting that eLearning tools help improve their grades | 81% |
| Percentage of students wanting to take some or all academic courses online post-pandemic | 46% |
| Percentage of graduates participating in exclusively online courses | 22% |
| Percentage of US lecturers citing lack of training as the biggest barrier to adopting educational technology | 41% |
| Percentage of professors approving of online learning | 49% |
| Average time spent on sites with inappropriate content per day | One hour |
| Percentage of school IT teams challenged with tracking lost or missing devices | Over 40% |
| Number of digital devices delivered to schools in England | 1.35 million |
| Percentage of students in the UK unable to access online learning during the 2020 lockdown | 27% |
Costs Of Online Learning
Online learning offers cost advantages by eliminating commuting expenses and reducing the need for physical infrastructure. While online courses may have tuition fees, they are often more affordable due to lower overhead costs, and for students who live at home, there are no accommodation fees. Learners may need to invest in reliable internet access and technology, but as technology advances, online learning becomes more accessible and cost-effective. Overall, online learning provides affordability and flexibility for learners seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
Check out our most affordable and popular courses here.
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of colleges charging remote students more than in-person students | 54% |
| Average cost of online college courses per year | $15,000+ per year |
| Average cost per credit hour for online education | $516 per credit hour |
| Least expensive options for online education | As low as $200 per credit hour |
| Average cost of a degree from a public online college | $10,000 per year |
| Average cost of a degree from a private non-profit online college | $15,000 per year |
| Average cost of a degree from a private for-profit online college | $17,000 per year |
| Projected revenue per user in online education in 2023 | $20,000+ |
| Average monthly earnings of top teachers at Skillshare | $3,000 on average per month |
| Percentage of colleges charging in-person and remote students the same tuition | 75% |
| Percentage of colleges charging in-person and remote students the same total price | 27% |
| Price difference between an online degree and a traditional on-campus degree | More than $10,000 cheaper |
Online Learning By Country
Online learning has gained momentum worldwide, transforming education in various countries. Renowned universities offer online degree programs and courses in the United States and the United Kingdom. India and China have witnessed rapid growth in online learning, catering to diverse educational needs. Australia and Germany have embraced online learning to provide flexibility and accessibility. Online learning is a global phenomenon, offering accessible and flexible education opportunities internationally. Have a device? Have access to the internet? Then you can learn online from anywhere.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Majority of Global eLearning Industry | US and Europe |
| Asia Pacific E-Learning Market Growth | 11% from 2020 to 2026 |
| Asia Pacific E-Learning Market Size by 2026 | Exceeds USD$90 billion |
| Top countries for remote learners on Coursera (2021) | US and India |
| Increase in EU citizens taking online courses (2021) | Ireland |
| Predicted size of eLearning market in India by 2026 | $8.6 billion USD |
| Expected growth of European eLearning market (next 5 years) | $28 billion |
| Predicted growth rate of German e-learning market (through 2028) | 22% |
| European frontrunner in eLearning market | Germany |
| Expected growth of India’s online education market by 2024 | $14.33 billion |
Online Learning Platform Statistics
Online learning platforms have revolutionised education by offering flexible access to diverse courses and resources. Prominent platforms like Coursera and Udemy provide self-paced learning, interactive elements, and personalised recommendations. They eliminate geographical barriers, making education accessible worldwide. These platforms continue to evolve, providing engaging and affordable learning opportunities for all, making it virtually impossible to run out of content to learn.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coursera new student registrations in 2021 | 20 million |
| Most popular elearning platform | Udemy with over 50 million students |
| Coursera learners rating their course as 5-star | 81% |
| Scholarships offered by Udacity and AWS to women and underrepresented groups | 425 |
| Average monthly earnings of top teachers at Skillshare | Around $3,000 |
| Rumoured payment for MasterClass celebrity instructors | $100,000 upfront + 30% of class revenue |
| Free annual memberships distributed by MasterClass to underserved communities since 2019 | 345,000+ |
| Free annual memberships distributed by Lewis Hamilton in collaboration with MasterClass | 200,000 |
| Gender distribution on Mindvalley | 49.84% males 50.16% females |
| Largest age group of Mindvalley visitors | 25-34 year olds |
| Coursera courses with the highest completion rate | One-month long courses |
| Quarter of MasterClass students reporting life-changing impact | Yes |
| Number of learners using massively open online courses (MOOCs) | Over 180 million |
| Carbon footprint reduction due to e-learning | Over 80% |
| Energy reduction and CO2 emission comparison between e-learning and face-to-face training | 90% less energy 85% less CO2 per person |
| Second most popular eLearning platform | Teachable |
| Most popular course platform in India | Tata Interactive Systems |
| Increase in Udemy student enrolments in late March 2020 compared to the previous month | 425% |
| Year-on-year growth in mental health and wellness course consumption on Udemy | Over 1,000% |
| Increase in listening skills consumption in the software and technology industry compared to 2019 | 3,210% |
| LinkedIn Learning: Number of courses and subscription options | Over 16,000 courses: Monthly $29.99 Annual $239.88 |
| Coursera: Number of users and partnerships with other learning institutions | 23 million users Partnerships with other institutions |
| Skillshare: Number of users and courses | Around 4 million users About 24,000 courses |
| edX: Number of online courses and partnerships | Over 8,000 online courses Partnerships with institutions |
Higher Education Statistics
Online learning has transformed higher education by providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities. Universities and colleges offer online courses and degree programs, allowing students to balance education with other commitments. Online learning fosters interactive and collaborative experiences, reaching a broader audience globally, with the benefit of allowing students to complete a full-time or part-time degree.
Challenges to providing a correct degree course include maintaining academic standards and ensuring access to resources. Online learning revolutionises higher education, offering flexibility, accessibility, and interactive learning experiences.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of institutions that shifted to remote learning in Spring 2020 | Close to 4,000 |
| Percentage of educational institutions investing in online learning in 2020 | 63% |
| Percentage of US schools planning to operate completely online in 2021 | 75% |
| Percentage of college students using mobile devices for online learning | 67% |
| Number of students enrolled in online colleges in 2020 | 2.8 million (15% of all college students) |
| Majority of online course users | Highly educated users with a traditional degree |
| Percentage of online school-related course takers aged 5 to 17 | 3.1% |
| Percentage of MOOC users with a degree | 79% |
| Percentage of MOOC users with a postgraduate degree | 44% |
Online Course Creator Statistics
Online learning content creators develop engaging and informative materials for digital education. They have expertise in their fields and use multimedia and interactive elements to enhance learning while earning an income. Content creators adapt to new technologies, seek feedback, and ensure quality. Their work is essential in providing compelling online learning experiences.
| Statistics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of course creators spending 3 months or longer creating their courses | 53% |
| Increase in Teachable content creators earning 6 figures in 2021 | 38% |
| Increase in Teachable instructors generating 7-figure revenue from courses | 48% |
| Average price of a sold course on Podia | $137 |
| Percentage of online courses focused on technology | 19.3% |
| Completion rate of paid courses compared to free ones | Higher completion rate for paid courses |
| Cost range to create an online course | $144 to $10,800 |
Pros And Cons
Online learning has transformed education, offering learners flexible and accessible opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills. While it presents numerous advantages, such as flexibility and diverse course options, it also has drawbacks. Exploring the pros and cons of online learning is crucial to shedding light on its benefits and the challenges learners may face in this digital learning environment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry & Academic Experts | No in-person lectures |
| Affordable | Hard to focus |
| Self-Paced | Lack of interaction |
| Flexible | Technical difficulties |
| Variety | Self-discipline |
| Community |
The facts and statistics surrounding online learning demonstrate its significant impact on education, providing the option for distance learning and allowing learners to access knowledge from anywhere in the world. The flexibility, affordability, and diverse course offerings have made online learning popular for students of all ages.
However, challenges such as needing reliable technology and maintaining engagement and interaction should be noticed. As online learning continues to evolve and improve, it promises to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of education, providing new avenues for learning and professional development.
Sources
Cooke, C. (2023) Online learning statistics: Everything you need to know in 2023, Upskillwise. Available at: https://upskillwise.com/online-learning-statistics/ (Accessed: 23 June 2023).
Rungta, K. (2023) 100+ must know online learning statistics in 2023, Guru99. Available at: https://www.guru99.com/online-learning-statistics.html (Accessed: 23 June 2023).
Todorov, A.G. and Georgi TodorovGeorgi Todorov is the founder of ThriveMyWay (2023) Best facts and statistics about online learning 2023, Learn Digital Marketing. Available at: https://thrivemyway.com/online-learning-stats/ (Accessed: 23 June 2023).
26+ fascinating elearning statistics & facts (2023) (2023) Findstack. Available at: https://findstack.com/resources/elearning-statistics/ (Accessed: 23 June 2023).
Online learning statistics: The ultimate list in 2023: Devlin Peck (no date) RSS. Available at: https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/online-learning-statistics (Accessed: 23 June 2023).
Nick Cooper
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