Learning on Demand: Exploring the Benefits of Subscription-Based Education in South Africa

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards subscription-based education in South Africa. In fact, a study by the South African Institute for Distance Education found that 75% of South African learners prefer to learn on demand. This model allows learners to access a wide range of educational content on demand, for a monthly or annual fee. There are many benefits to this approach, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience which make it an attractive option for students. 

Benefits explained

Flexibility:

One of the biggest advantages of subscription-based education is its flexibility. Learners can access content at their own pace and time, from anywhere using a smart device and internet connection. This is ideal for busy professionals and students who have limited time to commit to traditional classroom-based learning.

Affordability:

Another benefit of subscription-based education is its affordability. The monthly or annual fee is often much lower than the cost of traditional tuition. This makes it a more accessible option for people who want to learn but may not be able to afford a traditional degree program. For companies who are looking to offer in-house training to staff, on-demand subscription-based learning can also amount to a substantial saving in cost when compared to in-person training scenarios. 

Convenience:

Finally, subscription-based education is convenient. Learners can access content on their own devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This makes it easy to learn on the go or in the comfort of their own homes. What’s more is that it allows for students to decide on when they want to learn, giving them the freedom to make the most of their available time. 

Choosing the right LMS

Subscription-based learning platforms can come in a variety of options, each with its own unique offering. Some platforms can focus on specific subjects, such as business or technology, while others offer a more general range of courses. Certain platforms can also be developed for a specific target group of users, such as high schoolers. This is a further benefit of on-demand learning using learning management systems, seeing as one has the ability to customise the learning experience to a specific niche when partnering with the right platform provider. 

What are the numbers saying

Some interesting statistics about subscription-based learning in South African can be found below:

• The South African subscription-based education market is expected to reach R12 billion by 2025.
• The average South African student spends R1,500 per year on subscription-based education.
• 60% of South African students say that subscription-based education has helped them advance their careers.

If you are considering subscription-based education, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to choose a platform that offers high-quality content that is relevant to your needs. Second, you should make sure that the platform is easy to use and that it offers a variety of features that support your learning style. Finally, you should consider the cost of the platform and make sure that it is affordable for you.

Overall, subscription-based education can be a great option for learners in South Africa. It offers a number of benefits, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. If you are looking for a way to learn new skills and advance your career, then subscription-based education may be the right option for you.

Visit www.socoed.com to book a consultation with us.