Advancements in technology have enabled online education institutions to break traditional ways of learning.

Writers, authors and marketers alike, have called it the disruption innovation, and as more and more students and professionals choose to replace university lecture theatres for their PCs, online education has undoubtedly presented a paradigm shift in the schooling system. Online institutions, such as Udemy; an international learning marketplace, have realised this, and are offering students and professionals across the globe opportunities to master new skills.

The origins of online education

During the 1960s, the University of Illinois launched the first virtual classroom. This was around about the time of the invention of the original personal computers.

In the late 1990s, the University of Phoenix offered full academic degree programmes, officially opening the online education floor. For the first time, working professionals were presented with an opportunity of obtaining a degree or credit-bearing diploma without attending university lectures.

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What’s the big deal?

Since then, online education has developed from traditional distance-learning programmes to efficient, on-the-go online programmes for all learners. Through emerging technologies, online education encourages collaboration, exploration and the application of skills.

Year of the MOOC

2012 has been regarded as a remarkable time in the history of online education as for the first time, organisations such as edX and Coursera began offering world-class courses from some of the world’s top universities. Although most courses were offered for free, MOOCs proved to be ineffective.  They offered unprecedented access to excellent academic materials, but due to their large student numbers, could only offer limited learner-support, and no full academic programmes, leading to extremely low completion rates.

Across Africa and the world: Udemy is paving the way for online education

At the leading edge of online education, Udemy brings career advancement to a new level. With a mission to help students and professionals alike to build the life they imagine, Udemy is a global marketplace for learning and teaching online. Millions of students have registered and are mastering new skills to achieve their goals. 

So why don't you do the same?

It's simple. Visit Udemy on Careers24, choose from thousands of courses that will help you advance your career. Register online, and kick off your career and personal development goals.