The rise of digital technology has revolutionized countless aspects of modern life, including education. Digital education platforms have presented a paradigm shift in how knowledge is accessed, shared, and acquired.

Emerging as a powerful catalyst for accessibility, opportunity, and economic growth, digital education encompasses a wide range of online learning modalities. From online courses and virtual classrooms to digital tutoring, these tools have democratized education, making it more inclusive and empowering for individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations.

A Catalyst for Accessibility and Opportunity

Digital education has been more recognized since the COVID-19 pandemic, as the need for social distancing highlighted its value. Even after the pandemic, many people still see e-learning as an additional way of education.

Digital education ranges from fully online courses to ways that support in-person learning remotely. It has made education more accessible to a wider population, especially in remote areas. Online courses and platforms break down geographical barriers, allowing students from different regions to access educational opportunities.

Radwa Seif-Elnasr, creator of and tutor at English Bubble Digital Platform, says, “Platforms like mine provide Egyptians living abroad with educational access that can be limited by geographic and financial barriers.”

“These platforms offer flexible learning, allowing individuals to study at their own pace. They also support their personal and professional growth, especially when in-person learning is not an option,” Seif-Elnasr adds to Arab Finance.

Many platforms are designed to prepare citizens abroad to fit into the Egyptian society and workforce. “By providing remote access to education, these platforms help individuals to be well-prepared for eventual reintegration into both the workforce or education system, whether in Egypt if they return or abroad,” according to Seif-Elnasr.

Digital education can provide job opportunities to many people in different sectors. Lamiaa Sharara, an HR Manager, tells Arab Finance: “Digital education is now considered critical in the market, especially after the coronavirus pandemic, as it enabled all online platforms to flourish.”

“Also, these platforms helped different tutors find jobs, enhance their skills, and develop their educational content,” Sharara clarifies. The emergence of online platforms not only provides job opportunities to tutors but also to tech developers.

Seifelnasr agrees, saying, “Digital education platforms indeed contribute to creating job opportunities in various sectors. In education. For example, online teaching platforms require a number of teachers, trainers, and educational content developers, as well as tech providers, including software developers, data analysts, and IT support teams.”

The Growing Popularity of Online Tutoring

Online tutoring is gaining popularity among several parents as a more cost-effective and time-saving than traditional in-person tutoring.

Ahmed, a 35-year-old parent, shares his experience with Arab Finance: “I enrolled my child in an online German course after trying an in-person summer course. With the school year approaching, I think it will be easier for him to manage time between school, homework, and the course. This way, my child can save the time wasted on commuting, while I can save fuel costs.”

Meanwhile, some private schools provide digital tutoring on their Telegram and YouTube accounts for their students, so they can restudy their curriculum. Nora, a mother of an 11-year-old student, says, “The school’s live Telegram lessons are very interactive and allow my daughter to review her lessons at home.”

“The YouTube videos are also very useful, as she can watch them more than once, reducing the need for private lessons,” Nora further explains.

“While I think every school should have digital channels to help their student, I am convinced these digital lessons will not replace in-person classes in school,” Nora adds. 

Additionally, several main education and higher-education institutes are now using digital channels to support their students’ learning path.

Norhan AbdelAziz, Dean Secretary at Pyramids Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, clarifies, “Digital education has significantly contributed to our institution’s progress. We offer programming courses to young learners under government supervision to help them secure jobs. We also keep our Facebook page updated with events to encourage them to join.”

Online Learning Drives Career Success

Beyond traditional education, online e-learning has become a valuable tool for youth to acquire skills that support their careers. Fields such as programming, graphic design, second languages, writing, and translation offer online certifications that can boost their professional path.

Enas Elsheinnawi, creator of and tutor at Crazy Teacher Online Educational Page, says, “Through my educational page on Facebook, I provide online lessons for both adults and kids. I think educational pages can greatly improve our economy by sharpening youth's skills and knowledge, particularly in foreign languages and culture understanding.”

Online courses have been helping many people in Egypt throughout their career path. AbdelAziz explains, “I learned content creation via the Udemy platform. I got the best of it for helping me in my current position and at my previous job as a content creator.”

“The course taught me to write effectively and think from the consumer's perspective. I also learned posting time to capture the consumer's attention regarding the offered product or services,” AbdelAziz adds.

Elsheinnawi echoes this sentiment: “I have taken various online courses remotely, including teacher training, Quran studies, and video editing. These experiences have enriched my personal and professional knowledge in different aspects.”

Companies are increasingly recognizing online e-learning certificates as a plus when evaluating job applicants. Sharara notes, “As an HR Manager, I do accept candidates with online certificates as long as they match the job requirements, especially if the certificate is accredited and valid.”

As digital technology continues to evolve, the potential of digital education to shape the future of learning and development remains immense. By breaking down barriers, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities, digital education is poised to drive economic growth, enhance social mobility, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

By Sarah Samir

Hassan Allam Properties spends EGP 5B on construction in 2024 Updated 9/17/2024 2:32:00 PM

SCZONE, UK-based firms mull cooperation in several sectors Updated 9/17/2024 10:53:00 AM

Egypt to reduce rice cultivation area by 32% in 2025 over water shortage Updated 9/17/2024 9:51:00 AM

Saudi PIF to inject $5B into Egypt in initial investment phase Updated 9/17/2024 8:20:00 AM

Back-to-School Crunch: School Supply Lists vs. Egyptian Parental Budgets Updated 9/17/2024 8:00:00 AM