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Despite the hiccups that occurred with remote learning during the early stages of the pandemic, most college students say they appreciate online offerings from their institutions, according to a new report from Wiley.
The education solution provider’s “Voice of the Online Learner” report shows that 94% of prospective and past students enjoyed those classes, and more than 80% have signaled they would take courses online again if given the opportunity. The vast majority also believe those courses can help boost job-relevant skills and lead to better salaries.
“Individuals who engage in online learning overwhelmingly have a positive experience,” said Todd Zipper, Wiley’s executive vice president and general manager of University Services and Talent Development. “They also see real value in the results they achieve through online education, which allow them to advance in their career.”
Colleges that can provide quicker pathways to success and more flexibility likely will attract both groups of modern learners–the more traditional on-campus students who were shifted online because of the pandemic and those that remain all in on a digital-first education.
Among its pool of 2,500 students surveyed, a surprising 77% said they looked at modality first, even over choice of institution. If the college they were interested in didn’t offer online opportunities, 60% said they might look at competing colleges instead.
While the online-first crowd isn’t against having an occasional class in person or available as a synchronous option (79% said they would), they love having the flexibility of asynchronous options. They also believe in the online learning that colleges are providing to them, with 85% saying “my online program is worth my time.)” More than 80% value college degrees and have job prospects high on their wish lists.
Not every online experience works well even for digital-first learners, and colleges must be intentional about how they deliver that programming. For example, the majority of students who have labs said they want to have them in person. Students also want to know that colleges can provide them with clear pathways to careers. They want to see strong course design and delivery, while “building an online community to support student success and improving engagement among peers and faculty.” Wiley says marketing to online learners absolutely should focus on how well online learning can get them to degrees quickly and lead to better career outcomes.
As for students intent on pursuing online education in higher education, here are six of their wishes from Wiley’s survey:
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