This blog post is last updated on 19/11/2024.
The way we learn, teach, and engage with education has undergone a profound transformation over the past few years. As universities, schools, and training organizations have had to adapt to a new era of digital learning (much accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic) video has emerged as an interesting new format to help them deliver content in more accessible, engaging, and personalized ways. Even as in-person learning has resumed globally, the demand for flexible, online options remains strong. Hybrid models have become the norm, allowing students to seamlessly combine classroom and remote education. This approach reflects a shift in societal expectations, where accessibility and on-demand content are prioritized.
Perhaps as a result of this, the global e-learning market has continued to grow exponentially and is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2026. Educational institutions are increasingly turning to digital tools not only to expand their reach but also to cater to diverse learning needs. Video content plays a central role in this new world, offering everything from recorded lectures to interactive lessons and gamified exercises. And, as part of what can only be seen as a widespread industry transformation, an increasing number of educational institutions recognize the value of having a centralized video streaming application to organize and deliver their content in an efficient and easily managed way.
For education providers, creating a custom video application can help with consolidating scattered resources, simplifying content management, and delivering a more engaging and personalized learning experience. For example, lectures, tutorials, and supplementary material can be easily stored and delivered in a single repository that is easily accessible across the devices most commonly used by students. Things like closed captions, language options, and compatibility with assistive technologies can also be easily implemented to improve accessibility and cater to a wide range of situations and needs. This does not only provide a more engaging learning experience but also simplifies the content delivery and management process for the educational institution.
Moreover, today’s video streaming applications are increasingly incorporating interactive features and functionalities that enable users to engage more actively with both the content featured and each other. For the education vertical, this could mean adding things like quizzes, discussion boards, and annotations directly into videos so that students are encouraged to take a more lean in approach. By leveraging data analytics, teachers can then track engagement levels to identify popular content and features, enabling them to tailor educational strategies accordingly.
One of the key drivers behind video emerging as an increasingly important format in the educational system, is the rapid evolution of new technologies. For example, the global rollout of 5G has unlocked unprecedented potential for video-based education through faster speeds, reduced latency, and more reliable connections - meaning that students can stream high-quality content from virtually anywhere. Rural and underserved areas stand to benefit the most, bridging the digital divide and democratizing access to education.
Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is certainly transforming most (if not all) industries and education is no exception. For example, adaptive algorithms can help customize course materials based on student performance, creating personalized learning paths that are made relevant on an individual level. The introduction of 24/7 chatbots and AI tutors also means that students have access to virtual teaching assistants around the clock, freeing up educators to focus on more complex tasks that require human intervention. These AI-powered features can easily be incorporated into a video application, addressing the increased demand for personalization and automation.
Video enables educators to break free from traditional lecture models, while empowering students to learn at their own pace. On-demand models also create opportunities for revision and repetition, reinforcing comprehension. Additionally, video platforms are naturally suited to hybrid learning environments, where students toggle between in-person and remote participation. Beyond convenience, video platforms offer robust metrics for measuring success, enabling educators to monitor which lessons are most watched, how long students engage with content, and where they may struggle. Armed with these insights, institutions can refine their curricula and focus on delivering impactful learning experiences.
As we move into 2025, we believe that the role of video in education will only expand. Building a dedicated video application is no longer a far fetched luxury but an increasingly common strategic choice for institutions aiming to stay competitive. By investing in robust video infrastructure, educators can deliver richer, more engaging experiences that meet the demands of a digitally native generation.
Accedo is increasingly working with companies in the education vertical, leveraging our 20+ years of experience in building and delivering award-winning video applications on a global scale. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you construct and execute a video-first strategy, please reach out to a member of our team.
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