E-Learning and Green Start-Ups

While Global Industry Analytics predicts the global eLearning market to reach $107.3 billion by the year 2015, driven with innovation in learning and teaching. They also highlight the demand of e-learning programs to train the globally dispersed workforce.

This is not only significant when it comes to meeting the demands of learning but also reflects the global reach you can gain with e-learning initiatives. Other than governmental or NGO funding, monetization methods vary from presenting subscription fees, to having an attractive advertising eco-system, etc.

Why is e-learning so important? First off, teachers and instructors could reach millions of students. This means that the need for quantity to cater for the massive demand could be overcome with quality which is much more important. Secondly, philanthropy or otherwise, the industry is booming.

In Thailand, the government is out to promote education in the country by putting more emphasis on digital learning via tablet devices through the 'one child, one tablet' programme. They aim to transform their learning paradigm to learner centric and one on one digital classroom to instill lifelong learning that allows students to learn at anytime from anywhere. There are also many initiatives across the world that is using both cutting-edge hardware and quality content that have really been impressive recently. Sure, projects or initiatives like these could easily fall under the non-profit sector while in turn be considered non-businesses. Yet the industry has shown to become extremely attractive worldwide.

According to a recent market studies, the e-learning sector is growing at a rate of 15% from 2011 to 2016. These will in effect double the existing revenue to a staggering US$512.7 million by 2016.

Go Green!

The concept of e-learning services could apply to an already-existing business just implementing friendlier environmental operation methods or a startup with a main agenda revolving around supplying a green product or service.

As with e-learning, the reasons for starting eco-friendly businesses and initiatives are numerous. Not only is it commonly considered the right thing to do morally, it will also help cut down on your business' taxes and is likely to improve your public image. Having a better public image will increase the likelihood of people buying your product or service.

First-off, simply having a green next to your company name will already make you standout from the rest. It makes for a good headline and triggers a positively aware image about the company brand! Some companies offer innovative solutions and sustainable business models and also support being eco-friendly at the same time.

Education and e-learning are sectors which are often seen as charity instead of massive business opportunities. These sectors require private sector involvement to a much greater degree, which is one of the reasons; the government and multinationals alike want a slice of the pie.