Online training, the advent of Edtech
Take a virtual training course in 2020 no longer means simply downloading documents onto a platform. Especially since these training courses are today valued by a diploma, and therefore necessary in the development of a professional career. They allow for the updating and acquisition of new fundamental skills in an era of rapid change.
The (corona)viral news has put the spotlight on a growing trend. At a time when we live confined , when (universities)schools are closed until further notice, online training is gaining in visibility and importance. Many companies have understood this at their expense and in a brutal way because of a pandemic. However, online training provides countless opportunities for individuals and companies. They allow for the updating and acquisition of new fundamental skills in an era of rapid change.
The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a pioneer. For a decade now, its knowledge has been seeking to be integrated into the practice and life of companies. According to it, entrepreneurship must be driven by sound technical knowledge, which can be developed by training of employees in digital technologies. Since 2017, therefore, the Extension School of EPFL offers a certified online training program accessible to all. The Extension School goes in the same direction as MOOCS and aims to provide training on crucial digital technology themes: data science, development, cybersecurity and algorithms.
Continuous training for new digital challenges
Rémi Sabonnadière is a member of the EPFL Extension School’s management team. He explains: « The Extension School was created with the stated objective of enabling all job profiles profiles to equip themselves with the skills necessary for a successful career in the changing world of work. Companies come to us because they want to succeed in their digital transition. To achieve this, they need to train their employees in these technologies, which are far more accessible than many people think and bring value at all levels. »
This democratisation of knowledge is also expressed at company level in the Coorpacademy programme. This online platform developed by an EPFL start-up allows companies, thanks to interactive and fun online courses, to train their employees in the skills of tomorrow, in particular to develop their digital culture and their “soft” or behavioral skills, such as creativity or emotional intelligence. 85% of the skills identified as crucial in 2020 by the World Economic Forum are now covered by the Coorpacademy course catalogue.
Cultural barriers are falling
Elsewhere, several schools French-speaking Switzerland now offer business administration (MBA) courses whose curriculum is partly or totally online. This allows greater flexibility between professional, private and training life. Quiz, videos, coaching, tutorials, exercise… Taking a virtual training course in 2020 no longer means simply downloading documents onto a platform. Especially since these training courses are today valued by a diploma, and therefore necessary in the development of a professional career. This trend is still in its infancy. As cultural barriers fall down, online training is becoming more attractive.
