The advent of technology has significantly transformed the way we learn as physical classrooms and chalkboards are gradually giving way to digital platforms and virtual learning environments. This shift is not just a change in tools, as it has sparked a global conversation about the future of learning with a particular focus on its implications for young people in developing countries like Nigeria. It has been both revolutionary and challenging.
One of the most remarkable changes has been the rise of online learning and digital education platforms, which are fast becoming a popular choice for many because of their flexibility in allowing students to balance their studies with their jobs, business, family, and other commitments. Accessibility is considered a significant advantage of technology in education and online learning has made it possible for people in remote places to access courses from top universities around the world at their own pace without the constraints of physical classrooms as compared to access to quality education in conventional settings often limited by geography and socioeconomic status. The emergence of online learning via EdTech platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Microsoft and other industry-based online learning platforms has democratised access to knowledge and made learning more accessible, flexible and affordable.
Even though the quality of the courses on these platforms is not the same in many cases, they all provide valuable resources for learners.