In this insightful episode of Platforms for Future, we had the pleasure of hosting Lukas Lewandowski, the Regional Director at Coursera, to discuss the dynamic landscape of B2B education platforms. Lukas brought over two decades of experience to the conversation, sharing his journey from consulting to leading roles in tech giants like HP and SAP, and eventually moving into the edtech space.

Coursera, known for its vast array of online courses and degrees, has been a pioneer in the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) space. Founded by Stanford professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng, Coursera has grown to serve 136 million users with over 300 education partners. Lukas highlighted Coursera’s mission to transform lives through learning, which resonates with the platform’s global impact.

The discussion delved into the significant shifts in education over the past decade, particularly the rise of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lukas emphasized the importance of platforms like Coursera in democratizing education, allowing access to high-quality courses and degrees regardless of geographical or financial constraints.

This episode provided a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education, and the evolving role of platforms in facilitating learning and development in a rapidly changing world. Here are our key takeaways:

Education transformed through digitalization.

Education has undergone a significant transformation through digitalization in the past decade. The advent of technology and the internet has revolutionized the way people learn and acquire knowledge. In this essay, we will explore the impact of digitalization on education, focusing on the changes that have occurred in the last five to ten years.

One of the key developments in education has been the rise of online learning platforms. Platforms like Coursera have emerged as leaders in the B2B education space, offering a wide range of courses and programs from reputable universities and industry partners. These platforms have democratized access to education, making it possible for anyone with an internet connection to learn from top educators and institutions around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of online learning. With schools and universities forced to close their doors, educators and students had to quickly adapt to remote learning. This sudden shift highlighted the importance of digital tools and platforms in ensuring continuity of education. Institutions that were already invested in digital learning were able to seamlessly transition to online classes, while others had to scramble to find suitable solutions.

Digitalization has also transformed traditional educational formats, such as MBAs and business schools. Online MBA programs have gained popularity, offering professionals the flexibility to pursue higher education while continuing to work. These programs often provide interactive and immersive learning experiences, leveraging technologies like video lectures, discussion forums, and virtual simulations.

Furthermore, digitalization has enabled personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can analyze student data and provide tailored recommendations and feedback. This personalized approach helps students learn at their own pace and address their individual needs and weaknesses. AI-powered tools can also assist educators in assessing student performance, identifying areas of improvement, and designing personalized learning plans.

The availability of vast amounts of data has also opened up new opportunities for research and innovation in education. Educational institutions can analyze student data to gain insights into learning patterns, identify areas of improvement, and refine teaching methodologies. Data analytics can help educators track student progress, predict performance outcomes, and intervene early to prevent academic challenges.

Digitalization has not only impacted formal education but has also expanded learning opportunities beyond traditional boundaries. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have made it possible for individuals to learn new skills and acquire knowledge in various fields. These courses are often free or available at a fraction of the cost of traditional education, making learning more accessible and affordable.

In conclusion, digitalization has transformed education by making it more accessible, flexible, and personalized. Online learning platforms like Coursera have democratized access to education, allowing individuals to learn from top institutions and educators worldwide. Digitalization has also enabled personalized and adaptive learning experiences through AI-powered tools and algorithms. The availability of data has opened up new opportunities for research and innovation in education.

Online learning is here to stay.

Online learning has become an integral part of education and is here to stay. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in accelerating the adoption of online learning platforms like Coursera. During the pandemic, face-to-face learning was not possible, and online learning became the only alternative. However, even before the pandemic, online learning was gaining traction and becoming more prevalent in our lives.

One of the significant changes brought about by online learning is the accessibility it offers. With online platforms, individuals can access courses and degrees from top institutions around the world. For example, on Coursera, one can obtain an MBA from the University of Illinois in the US. This was unimaginable just ten years ago. Online learning has democratized education by breaking down barriers of location and cost. Individuals who may not have been able to attend physical classes at prestigious institutions can now access the same quality education online.

The convenience and flexibility of online learning have also contributed to its popularity. People can learn at their own pace and schedule, fitting education into their busy lives. This flexibility has been particularly beneficial for working professionals who can now upskill and advance their careers while still fulfilling their work and family responsibilities. Online learning has made education more accessible to a wider range of learners, including those who may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education in traditional settings.

Furthermore, online learning has enabled scale and standardization in education. Companies can now provide consistent training to their employees worldwide through online courses. In the past, face-to-face training would have required different instructors, leading to variations in content and delivery. With online learning, companies can ensure that all employees receive the same course in the same format, regardless of their location. This standardization promotes efficiency and ensures that all employees are equipped with the same knowledge and skills.

Language barriers have also been addressed through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered translation tools have made it easier to translate course content into different languages, making education more accessible to non-English speakers. This is particularly important as companies become more multinational and diverse, with employees from different linguistic backgrounds. AI has played a crucial role in bridging the language gap and making education more inclusive.

Online learning has also opened up new possibilities for companies in terms of employee onboarding and upskilling. Companies can create their own courses to onboard new employees, introducing them to the company’s values, strategies, and specific topics. This can be done with fewer resources and in a more efficient manner compared to traditional onboarding methods. Online learning platforms provide companies with the tools to customize and tailor training programs to their specific needs.

AI enables quicker course creation.

One of the key advancements in online learning is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in course creation. AI has enabled quicker course creation by automating and streamlining various aspects of the process.

Traditionally, creating course content from scratch could be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. However, with the use of generative AI, course creators can now generate content much more quickly. For example, Coursera, a leading online learning platform, has introduced a product called Course Builder that utilizes AI to generate course content. This tool allows companies to create their own courses by integrating their own content with existing content on the platform. This means that course creators can easily browse through the platform and select relevant content to enrich their courses. Previously, this process would have taken weeks or even months, but with the help of AI, it can now be done in less than a day.

In addition to content generation, AI also plays a role in generating questions and answers for assessments. Traditionally, creating multiple-choice tests with a sufficient number of questions and answers could be a time-consuming task. However, with generative AI tools, course creators can simply upload the course content and request the generation of a specific number of questions with multiple answers. This process is much quicker and easier than before, saving time and effort for course creators.

It is important to note that while AI enables quicker course creation, there is still a significant human element involved. Course creators have the ability to review and modify the AI-generated recommendations to ensure they align with their objectives and are relevant to the course content. This human oversight is crucial in maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the courses.

Upskilling is crucial for future employment.

Upskilling is crucial for future employment. With advancements in technology and automation, the job market is undergoing significant changes. According to the World Economic Forum, 83 million jobs will be displaced by 2027, and 44% of core skills will change by the same year. This means that not only will some jobs cease to exist, but the skill set required for the remaining jobs will also change drastically.

In order to adapt to these changes and stay relevant in the job market, it is essential for individuals and companies to invest in upskilling and reskilling their employees. For example, a person working on an assembly line may find their job eliminated due to automation. However, if that person possesses talent and motivation, it would be a waste to let them go. Instead, they can be reskilled and placed in a new position that aligns with the evolving needs of the company.

Education plays a crucial role in preparing individuals for these changes. People need to continuously upskill and re-skill themselves in order to stay relevant in the job market. This is where platforms like Coursera come in. By partnering with universities and industry leaders, Coursera ensures that the content provided is of high quality and relevant. Additionally, user ratings and feedback help in continuously improving and updating the content.

However, the abundance of content created due to technological advancements also poses a challenge. Just because content can be created quickly does not necessarily mean it is of high quality. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the content being consumed is relevant and of a high standard. Platforms need to focus on building trust with their users by providing them with the right content and recommendations. Trust and quality are becoming increasingly important in the role of platforms.

In conclusion, upskilling is crucial for future employment. The job market is undergoing significant changes, with jobs being displaced and core skills evolving. In order to stay relevant and competitive, individuals and companies need to invest in upskilling and reskilling. Platforms like Coursera play a vital role in providing high-quality and relevant content. However, trust and quality are becoming increasingly important for platforms, as the abundance of content creates a need for effective management and curation. As the pace of change accelerates, embracing new technologies and platforms is essential for success in the job market.