by Joe McKendrick, Smart Planet
While it’s unclear how impressed employers will be by online certificates, the NPR report observes that these online courses may work well for upgrading specific skills in demand, such computer programming and quality control. Wharton’s report cites a projection from Global Industry Analysts that the global e-learning market will reach $107 billion by 2015. as mentioned above, much of this income will come from ancillary services — a fremium model if you will — that offer certificates, transcripts, and career placement. Eventually, donations from online alumni may also make a difference. There is also financial support from foundations that can be counted on. For example, MIT just announced it has received a $1 million grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to go towards developing an introduction to computer science course and partnering with a postsecondary institution that targets low-income young adults to offer this introductory course in a “flipped classroom” setting.
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