E-learning has taken the world by storm ever since the pandemic took place, but how far has it changed the world? Recent studies reveal that over 70% of students in the United States wish to learn through online means even after the pandemic has long gone. Let us have a look at some other important statistics associated with Elearning in 2023.
In this article, I have gathered the relevant facts on e-learning statistics with proven data that will help you understand the actual growth of e-learning in today’s world.
I will also share my thoughts on the e-learning industry towards the end!
What is eLearning?
A literal definition of “online learning” is suggested in the name itself. It is a way of visually learning knowledgeable or educational modules while not being physically present in the same room as the instructor hosting the lessons.
Over the years, online learning has developed vastly and has been curated in various forms. The most popularized online learning module is self-paced learning.
With self-paced learning, you are given the freedom of taking the lessons whenever you want, however you want, and wherever you want. It is like you are carrying a pre-recorded lecture in your hands and can access it anytime from your mobile.
Through online learning, all the tricky sections are broken down into simple understanding modules, making it convenient for the average learner using it.
E-learning statistics 2023 (Top Picks)
Here are some of the highlights from the eLearning industry as of 2023:
- The E-Learning Market is worth over 315 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at a 20% CAGR from 2022 to 2028.
- 42% of companies claim that E-learning has led to an increase in their revenue.
- 9 out of 10 businesses offer E-learning opportunities to their employees.
- The number of online learning platform users is expected to reach 57 million by 2027.
- E-learning is the quickest growing market in the education sector.
- The Mobile E-learning sector is forecasted to grow at a 25% CAGR between 2022 to 2028.
- 73% of students in the USA want to continue taking online classes after the pandemic.
- One of the key growth drivers for E-learning is the need for people who have had skill-based training.
- 41.7% of global fortune 500 companies use some form of E-learning technology to train their employees.
- India’s E-learning startup Byju’s is the Nation’s biggest and the World’s 13th biggest Unicorn, with a valuation of $22.6 billion.
Recent eLearning Statistics (What’s new in 2023?)
Due to the advancement in technology and modernization, the scope for online learning is growing on a wide scale globally. The following are the highlights of recent online learning statistics on various parameters and their effect on global education:
E-learning statistics on Business:
- 93% of global firms are switching to online learning since it is convenient and easy to use during pandemic situations. Even if the company does not switch completely, it will use online learning as an alternative. (Finances online)
- 77% of particular companies incorporated e-learning into their work to make use of it and learn in-demand skills for the desired work related to their field, which resulted in an accelerated workflow. (E-learning Industry)
- Employees’ preference for using self-paced e-learning lessons is 58%, which shows that most employees like to take e-learning courses in their leisure time after work or during the weekends. (NCES)
- An increase in employee morale by 18% is noted by studies which means the employees who take e-learning lessons reflect workspace morale compared to the employees who do not attend any e-learning courses offered by the firm. (Papers Owl)
- Productivity enhancement by 20% is recorded where an employee who has acquired relevant skills from e-learning modules and lessons. (American Heart Association)
- E-learning in corporate sectors takes 45% less time than traditional in-person learning as it disrupts the workflow and creates a mess in the schedule. (eLearning Industry)
- Income generation scaled up in 42% of companies that used e-learning modules due to apparent reasons because the learning can be applied practically, and the rest is history. The company value grows and starts ranking at the top. (Tech Jury)
- 41.7% of global fortune 500 companies use some form of E-learning technology to train their employees. This means 4 out of the 10 biggest companies in the world recognize the value that E-learning brings to the table. (Skill Scouter)
E-learning statistics Globally:
- 60% faster learning and observation than physical classes, which means e-learning is digestible and has enough curriculum to cover quickly. (Papers Owl)
- $33 Billion declines in the self-paced e-learning system by 2021, which showed reports that most people prefer e-learning with live classes instead. (E-Learning Industry)
- $38 Billion increase in the market exclusively for e-learning mobile is recorded, which showed that users tend to take lessons on handy devices on the run. (Finances Online)
- 70% of e-learning traffic is obtained from Europe and the US. Although e-learning classes are consumed across the globe, the mentioned places have gathered a wide range of audiences and loyal user base. (Skill Scouter)
E-learning statistics for Academics:
- 50% of learners following the academic curriculum shifted to e-learning in 2021. Plus, most schools have started implementing e-learning into their schedule. (Skill Scouter)
- E-learning classes promise a 72% succession rate compared to standard teaching modules. Still, in-person classes top the charts with the stats. (EdTech Magazine)
- 40% of students going to college say that e-learning is more efficient than in-person training, and the modules are simplified for better understanding. (Statista)
- 36% of students reveal that e-learning benefits structured lessons and personalized teaching. The students can easily adapt to the tutoring. (Statista)
- 73% of students in the USA want to continue taking online classes after the pandemic. These figures are from a study by Digital Pulse Learning of over 1400 students.
- 25-60% of students retain more material when they are learning online as compared to traditional methods. (Shiftelearning)
- Wiley’s survey of 1500 students reveals that more than half of students opt for online education due to the fact that is more economical than college. (Wiley)
Here is a table showing factors that affect students choosing E-learning in 2023:
Reason for choosing E-learning | Share of Students’ Voting |
Affordability | 55% |
School Accreditation | 41% |
Specializations Within the Degree | 29% |
Reputation of School/College | 28% |
Content of the courses | 27% |
Quality of faculty | 20% |
Time to complete the program | 18% |
Total number of Courses | 15% |
The ability to take both online and on-campus courses during my program | 13% |
Location of the school | 8% |
E-learning statistics on Online learning platforms:
- Revenue in online learning platforms is projected to reach $2.85 billion in 2023.
- Online learning platforms’ user penetration is 11.6% in 2023 and is expected to hit 16.6% by 2027.
Here is a table showing the penetration rate of online learning platform users over the years:
Years | Percentage of User Penetration |
2017 | 3.9% |
2018 | 4.4% |
2019 | 5.1% |
2020 | 6.8% |
2021 | 8.5% |
2022 | 9.9% |
2023 | 11.6% |
2024* | 13.1% |
2025* | 14.5% |
2026* | 15.7% |
2027* | 16.6% |
- E-learning on MOOCs might hit $25.55 billion in the following years and could pave the way to a new era in the online learning community. (Tech Jury)
- With a 10+ million active student database, Udemy ranks first in the best online learning platforms. Udemy also produces high-quality content in a variety of niches and categories. (Skill Scouter)
- Followed by Udemy(35 million), Teachable has over 23 million users making it the second most visited online learning platform on a global scale. (Skill Scouter)
- SkillShare has over 13 million users and 35,000+ classes as of 2023.
- The top 500 teachers on Skillshare have an average revenue of $2,000 each month.
- Majority of Udemy’ courses (90%) are paid (Think Impact)
- Masterclass has over 150 courses across various categories as of 2023. (Masterclass)
- Masterclass has classes that range from 2 to 5+ hours in duration. These classes are split into various lessons.
- A total revenue generation of $47 billion was recorded by online learning platforms, reflecting that most users prefer e-learning. (Forbes)
Impact of COVID-19 on E-learning. Will it Continue in 2023?
The COVID-19 virus has shaken the world by storm in various ways, and the e-learning sector is also one of the sectors impacted by the pandemic.
- 43% of educational institutions have started venturing into e-learning modules or at least incorporated e-learning as a part of their curriculum for efficient learning. (Admissionsly)
- 98% of examinations conducted across the world have transitioned to online mode despite the competency and the traditional protocol followed. (Admissionsly)
- Mobile E-learning remains one of the fastest-growing markets in the sector. It is now forecasted that the Mobile E-learning market will continue to grow at a 25% CAGR between 2022 and 2028. This is majorly due to the increase in smartphone users due to pandemic. (Globe News Wire)
- 59% of respondents in Wiley’s survey said that the pandemic made them consider enrolling in an E-learning program. (Wiley)
eLearning Course Selection and Enrollment Statistics
Statista carried out a survey similar to statistic number “29” and got a different outcome. We at Prosperity for America believe that people should be aware of both sides of the coin, so we include this section to show the results of that survey. Below are the findings:
- “specific field of study” is the leading reason for online college selection among students in the United States.
Below is the table showing all the leading reasons:
Reason | Share of Voters |
Specific field of study | 82% |
Tuition and Fees | 74% |
Time to complete the program | 68% |
Reputation of the university or the course | 62% |
Ranking of the university or the course | 47% |
Location of the university was closer | 33% |
Recommendations from friends and family | 26% |
E-learning Trends for 2023
Here is a quick overview of the top E-learning trends that you must look out for in 2023.
1.) Artificial Intelligence: AI has made past simple smartphone commands, It has made its way into E-learning. AI is now able to guide users through their learning process, not just that, it also gives the freedom of personalization. If you are quick to harness the power of AI, you can gain a significant edge over your competitors.
2.) Mobile Learning: Smartphones nowadays can do everything. What seemed a dream a few years back is now a reality. you can operate your whole business with just a smartphone. People are doing everything on smartphones these days, and E-learning is no different. If you can optimize your course for mobile users, you can unlock a wide range of audiences. It is important to note that smartphone usage has risen tremendously post the pandemic period.
3.) Micro-Learning: Breaking down hour-long classes into small lessons of a few minutes.
4.) Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) can boost students ’ engagement by allowing them to interact more actively with the learning material rather than just receiving it verbally. One major benefit if this technique is that it greatly improves knowledge retention and adds more value to teachings that are best communicated in real-world situations.
5.) Gamification: Game-like components can be used in an e-learning plan to improve the learner’s engagement. For instance, leader’s boards can introduce a pleasant competitive element to online courses, encouraging students to outperform one another while working toward their learning goals.
Final thoughts on online learning statistics (2023)
Looking at the e-learning statistics, it is evident that online learning is the future, and there is no denying in that. From business to academics to corporate, e-learning has captured all sectors with high-quality lessons with structured modules.
Even average online learning platforms have scaled up to produce the best content along with beneficial learning resources so that users can make the most out of it.
Many new e-learning platforms are in the talks of joining established competitors like MasterClass, Skillshare, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and many more.
If you got 30 mins a day, why waste it when you can acquire in-demand skills by enrolling in any listed e-learning platforms? You can try them using free trials!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of eLearning?
Well, if we talk about the industry growth, then there is no stopping the bull run that online learning is having. The eLearning industry is projected to grow at 20% CAGR from 2022 to 2028. The number of Edtech startups is also increasing, and it is evident by the statistics.
What are the future trends in eLearning?
As 2023 nears, the following are the top key trends in the eLearning Sector:
– The Use of Artificial Intelligence.
– Implementation of AR and VR technologies.
– The increasing use of mobile phones in eLearning.
– Gamification of the learning process.
What are some different types of eLearning?
Individual eLearning, collaborative eLearning, fixed eLearning, adaptive eLearning, asynchronous eLearning, and interactive eLearning are some of the types of eLearning.
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