Article

 In this next decade of the 21st Century, a good, well rounded education could be the difference between a developing future or a future dependent on low wage employment, and periods of unemployment. One reason the current boom in private and on-line education is one sector that continues to expand. What are the seven current trends in education?

1. A More Affordable Education

Despite austerity measures and cut backs in government education programs, private and internet-based education programs are bridging this gap. The graduate of tomorrow may study online, but work part-time, and

attend a private or on-line education course. This can be more affordable, as student debt levels decrease, due to the fact they are not restricted to spending several years at College or University.

2. Education for All

Before the internet age, few students had the option of studying outside a traditional educational institute. The growth in these traditional educational institutes offering an online alternative, and the fact the internet could be perceived as a web of information. Allows today's students to access information more easily, and choose a program that is more affordable, and relevant to their needs.

3. Increased Employment Opportunities

Globally, a higher percentage of people are studying a course, degree or training then in previous generations. This is leading to more job opportunities in education, especially in the field of higher, specialized education. As our economies are inter-linked globally, this trend should continue as internationally standard tests and examinations are available globally.

4.A Growth in Self Learning

One of the greatest successes of the internet age, has been the simple fact that information is available at a click, it simply means that anyone interested in a subject can find a wealth of information through a website, video or blog. This trend should continue as the on-line presence of educational institutions grows, and internet access becomes cheaper and easily accessible.

5. The Internationalization of Education

State education is dropping in standards in many countries, due to the high cost of education and the challenge of internet based educational programs. International examinations are available online, and with the growth of home schooling, parents can by-pass an often antiquated state system, whilst their children study for an international examination. A child in Nairobi, could in the future gain the same qualifications, as a similar child in New York.

6. The Need for Re-Training

A fast growing global economy, means that in our own lifetime we may have to re-train more in order to compete in a global workplace. This need, coupled with a more demanding working environment, means that often we learn new skills in our spare time- often online. This trend should continue as a new economy materializes in the next few years, and new job markets are created with this economy.

7. A Wired, Knowledge Based Society

Knowledge is fast becoming the new currency of our global economy, and as we inter-connect with each other through the net- those that provide this knowledge are the new income earners of the future.

Despite stringent budget cuts in education, there are very real replacements to a book based classroom or university. Those seeking a future, can find them online and even if the costs of a 'traditional" education continue to rise, the alternatives may better this in the near future.