MOOC learners in developing countries are vastly different than their developed world counterparts #GEI 56
70% of Americans still consider postsecondary education as ‘very important’ even amidst the ongoing debate about its value in the marketplace. Lumina and Gallup have found that as the country transitions from a manufacturing to services-based industry, the need for upskilling — whether it be through a degree or a short course — is more important than ever. MOOCs (massive open online courses) have always been heralded as a pathway for learning and this week the Technology and Social Change Group challenges some assumptions on MOOC usage. While it is commonly known that learners in developed countries use MOOCs for personal interests, those in developing countries use it mainly for career advancement, with completion rates of 49% far exceeding the single-digit percentage of their developed world counterparts.
Meanwhile the OECD stresses that information on skills needs to be communicated between education systems and employers, to ensure students develop the right skills in school before they enter the workforce. The future will be an increasingly multilingual and connected world, and the British Academy puts forth the benefits of language study in cultivating the soft skills required to thrive in the new work order.
Finally the importance of data cannot be underestimated, with KPMG expressing potential for institutions to better leverage their data to enhance the student experience.
MOOC learners in developing countries are vastly different than their developed world counterparts
In contrast to the rich and well-educated profiles of MOOC learners in the developed world, those in developing countries mainly come from low- and middle-income backgrounds with varying levels of education. While students in developed countries commonly enrol in MOOCs out of personal interest, those in developing countries are much more focused on career development. Given this strong focus on career advancement, it is perhaps not surprising that their completion rates far exceed their developed world counterparts, with 49% receiving at least one certification compared to the single-digit rates by peers in developed countries. This report challenges commonly held beliefs about MOOC usage and hopes to open up discussions on how MOOCs can best help young adults across the developing world grow successful careers.
Americans still emphasise the importance of a degree despite debate about the value of higher education
Amid the ongoing debate about the value of higher education, Americans still express a strong belief in postsecondary education, with 70% saying it is ‘very important’ to have a degree or professional certificate beyond high school. This Lumina and Gallup survey explores the most pressing issues facing US higher education today, including cost, access, quality and workforce readiness. While Americans clearly place a high value on degree completion, they also believe postsecondary education is worthwhile even if it does not result in a degree — 66% agree that taking some college classes is a good idea even if a student does not get a degree. The importance of learning advanced skills is clear, especially in a changing US job market that sees fewer manufacturing positions and more jobs in the IT and services fields.
Communicating changing skills needs requires closer collaboration between institutions and employers
More than 40% of workers in Europe are of the opinion that their skill levels do not correspond to those required by their job. Digitalisation, globalisation and changes in work organisation are constantly reshaping skills needs and if left unchecked, this can lead to persistent skill shortages and mismatch which are costly in terms of lost wages and lower productivity. While most countries have systems in place for assessing and anticipating skills needs, their effectiveness is limited by difficulties in translating this information into policy and practice. This report identifies strategies for improving skills market information. In particular, it explores the importance of effective coordination between key stakeholders — both in the world of education and the world of work — and in the collection and use of skills needs information to ensure the right skills are being developed in the workforce.
English is not enough — we need to encourage linguistic study to navigate a more globalised world
71% of UK senior figures with multilingual skills believe that their language skills had given them a competitive edge in job applications. In exploring the complex relationship between language learning and employability, this British Academy report finds that beyond the acquisition of technical linguistic skills, language learning equips graduates with the 21st century skills highly regarded by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical rigour and resilience. This is especially so in today’s multinational and globalised world. The report concludes with several suggestions for universities to take advantage of employers’ demand for language skills in the economy, including the expansion of study or work abroad opportunities and a review of language courses to ensure they develop skills in line with those demanded by employers.
Having a wealth of data does not matter if institutions lack critical analytics capability
Although there is a recent proliferation of big data in higher education, not all institutions are maximising the wealth of data available to generate data-driven insights. According to a KPMG survey, only 41% of institutions use data for forecasting and predictive analytics, and even fewer (29%) use data for strategic and operating decisions. In addition to this, 39% outsource analytics as they do not have the internal resources to do it. With rapidly changing technology and evolving student demographics, university administrators are facing a brave new world of challenges to keep their institutions up-to-date. The report also explores other ways institutions are leveraging innovation to enhance the student experience and business functions, including adopting technologies such as cloud, ERP and cybersecurity.
This Week’s Infographic
