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JulyAugust2013

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VI PL/G LOW I MAG ES changes that will affect all of higher education. But from trends that we're seeing in developing countries—including our member schools in the Global Business School Network (GBSN)—mobile delivery has the most potential for truly disruptive innovation. Mastering Online Education The first trend—improved online education—means that the supply of digital educational offerings is growing at an exponential rate. In Africa, for example, sales of cloud-based e-learning products are increasing at nearly 40 percent a year, albeit from a low base. Worldwide, the growth rate is 7.6 percent, with revenues exceeding US$35 billion. While some online providers in the industrialized world offer top-notch educational opportunities, many of these providers in developing nations have yet to prove their quality, relevance, integrity, and value to employers. But it's only a matter of time before we see higher quality among players in this part of the market. And demand for these online offerings will continue to grow as computer access becomes almost universal in advanced economies and increases quickly in the developing world. This acceleration accounts for the second trend: More established business schools are adopting some form of online education, whether these courses are entirely virtual or delivered in a blended format. New technology allows schools to provide courses through video monitors that closely simulate face-to-face delivery. Technology also powers the "flipped classroom," in which students view videos and online materials for their homework; when they come to class, they discuss material they've already learned off-site. In fact, a recent survey by the GBSN found that more than 80 percent of its member schools say technology is changing the way they deliver education. They know that technology can help them reach more students at a lower cost—but they're still figuring out how. BizEd July/August 2013 31

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