Business education
trend report
The 10 key trends impacting business education and
what you can do to stay ahead of the curve
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
Table of contents
Introduction
Introduction
Business education has ceased to be business as usual. The external forces
impacting it are more numerous and disruptive than ever, while the pace of
change is relentless, showing no signs of abating.
Diversity &
inclusion
Flexible
learning
New content &
formats
New
entrants
Industry trends
Digital
transformation
Climate
action
Societal trends
Lifelong
learning
To navigate this shifting landscape and lead the way in transforming business
education, we have put together this trend report. We are forecasting ten
trends under three major categories that will influence business education in
all institutions and organizations.
Societal trends will challenge the very purpose of business education and
business. What we expect is a paradigm shift. Business education will become
more accessible, inclusive and sustainable, leading to thriving businesses, an
equitable society and a flourishing planet.
Industry trends will affect the how and the what of business education. The
imperative of digital transformation, the new generations of digital natives
and new market entrants will make business education more flexible
and varied in content, format and providers.
Lastly, technology trends will unleash the potential of business
education. Virtual reality, artificial intelligence, virtual or hybrid
classrooms will enable a wealth of possibilities.
These are the trends that will change business education in the
years to come. But the future has not been written yet.
Tech trends
Virtual & hybrid
classrooms
Artificial
intelligence
Gamification,
VR & AR
References
Barco weConnect
Barco weConnect
The future of business education is in the hands of today’s visionary
leaders. They must lead the change and ensure that business
education forms the resilient and agile business talents of tomorrow.
The ones that will steer thriving businesses, mindful of our planet and
valuable for people and society, in a world where the only constant is
change.
Vision, however, is not enough. It’s time to dream big and to strategize
bigger. Envision your ideal future of business and then develop the business
education programs needed to achieve it, supported by the right partners.
At Barco, we are here to support you deliver transformative business
education by enabling immersive, engaging learning experiences and bright
outcomes for your students, employees and organization.
As a trustworthy partner with almost nine decades of experience in
technology, we have a longstanding commitment to empower organizations
and institutions on this journey. We predict a bright future for those that are
spearheaded by daring and agile leadership, prepared to embrace and adapt
to this new age.
Jan van Houtte
Vice President Learning Experience
References
Develop the business
education programs that
will help you attain your
ideal future.
Introduction
Societal trends
Lifelong learning
of business school leaders
said their school had
increased the use of online
delivery methods for
programmes because of
Covid.
1.
Design flexible programs
In an era where fast technological advancements
shorten the shelf life of skills, lifelong learning is
mandatory. Workforces worldwide need to upskill and
reskill. Higher education institutions and organizations
must design specific programs tailored to the needs of
these learners. How to do that? Keep reading!
Adult learners require flexible programs so they can
learn while juggling responsibilities such as jobs and
families. Learning must fit in their schedules: time
consciously booked for learning during their working
hours, programs on weekends, in the evening, during
lunch breaks, via different methods - virtual, hybrid
or blended.
References
Make sure you have a powerful
technology solution
Ensure you have the right solution for both remote
and on-site learners. A solution with strong and
varied capabilities will encourage and inspire the
participants in your programs to learn and enable
them to acquire skills faster and better.
of employees expect
business schools to build
an offer that meets the
requirements of lifelong
learning.
Carrington Crisp 20212
3.
2.
Carrington Crisp 20212
Barco weConnect
5.
67%
Develop accessible content
of employers want short
and flexible programs that
meet the requirements of
lifelong learning.
Tech trends
96%
Lifelong learning complements the
traditional, formal education of adults. It
refers to the personal development of an
individual and the accumulation of new
knowledge and skills on a continuous
basis.
76%
Industry trends
Make learning interesting
Develop learning sessions that are short
interesting and varied. Use appealing videos,
infographics, large images, little text and few
numbers. Create regular touch points with
quizzes, polls and open-ended questions.
Make learning material available ondemand and mobile-accessible to offer the
opportunity to learn whenever convenient.
Record live sessions, provide recaps and
checklists, and ensure your learning
environment is user friendly.
4.
Assess and optimize
Constantly review learning paths and register progress.
Ask for regular feedback from instructors and learners.
Don’t forget to access and analyze user data on
attention, engagement and responsiveness to the
content shared to optimize future classes.
+25%
of Chief Learning Officers
intend to increase their
budgets for executive
education, while over
50% said they would
maintain spending at 2020
levels. Just 17% planned a
reduction.
Financial Times 20211
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Climate action
Barco University – our company’s
learning & development division –
implemented two virtual classrooms
and one virtual hybrid classroom
using weConnect in 2019.
weConnect
virtual classroom
Over the first 16 months of use,
weConnect enabled 1170 participants
to learn for 3700 hours. That resulted
in 2 million flying kilometers, 50 trips
around the globe and 461 tons of
CO2 saved. You can read the whole
story here.
1170
remote learners
since April 2019
less travel
-2 M
= 50 trips around
the world
How can virtual and hybrid
learning support your
sustainability goals?
1. Travelling decreases
dramatically
Virtual and hybrid learning will
make travelling a rare occurrence
for learners and instructors.
Hence, the carbon footprint of
your organization will decrease
dramatically, making it more
environmentally friendly.
In the UK, 91% of students
think their place of study
should actively incorporate
and promote sustainable
development; 65% say
sustainable development is
something they would like
to learn more about
Sustainability skills survey 2019-203
As societies worldwide are confronted by the impact of climate
change in increasingly severe forms, there is a strong global
shift to tackle this challenge. More people, especially the
younger generations, are demanding increased environmental
and sustainability efforts, holding organizations accountable.
Higher education institutions and organizations should incorporate strategies
to become more environmentally friendly and adapt their curricula to educate
business leaders to run greener businesses and drive positive change.
Barco University – our company’s
2. Classroom
space declines
learning
& development
division
Building
maintenance
and utilities
–
implemented
two virtual
such as water,
electricity
andhybrid
heat
classrooms
and
one virtual
account
for
an
increased
carbon
classroom using weConnect in
footprint. Virtual and hybrid learning
2019.
will reduce all these needs.
Over the first 16 months of
3. Paper
use diminishes
use,
weConnect
enabled 1170
The
stacks
ofto
papers
books
participants
learn and
for 3700
required
in
virtual
and
hybrid
hours. That resulted in 2 million
learning
are drastically
reduced.
flying
kilometers,
50 trips
around
Thisglobe
will mean
less tons
paper,
the
and 461
ofreduced
CO2
deforestation
and
more
saved.
saved.
You can
read
thetrees
whole
story
here.
3700
course hours
-2 million
air km
cut in carbon
emissions
CO2
-461 tons
-461 tons
of CO2
How Barco University expanded its reach
while reducing CO2 by 461 tons
66% of business school decision makers reported that their programs
had changed to ensure they offer up-to-date information to students
on the significance of business management in helping to tackle
climate change.
Examples of introducing sustainability in curricula:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Making sustainability part of each subject
Inviting guest speakers to speak in class
Initiating a student club for sustainability
Launching specific courses in sustainability and business
Developing projects focused on sustainability
Including sustainability as a learning goal
Becoming a part of sustainability-focused partnerships
International Climate Change Report, AMBA & BGA 2020-214
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Diversity & inclusion
Barco weConnect
References
70%
of business school leaders consider that
international collaboration is one of the main
advantages of online teaching and learning.
-3 mm
Employees want their business school
to be known for:
Education Technology Research 2021-22, AMBA & BGA6
• Open access to allow learners from diverse
backgrounds to benefit from learning (26%)
• Challenging world views by combining innovative
and critical thinking (24%)
• Seeking a culture of enterprise, engaging with
start-ups and social entrepreneurs (23%)
• Focusing on social responsibility (23%)
The Future of Lifelong and Executive Education,
Carrington Crisp 20212
+36%
in profitability for the
topmost ethnical
and culturally diverse
organizations in comparison
with the top bottom ones
McKinsey 202013
The need for diversity and inclusion efforts will continue
to impact all organizations. As society becomes more
preoccupied (and rightfully so) with tackling inequality and
exclusion, creating an environment where all learners are
welcome is mandatory - for a future of thriving businesses and
a more equitable society.
Ensuring that learners from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, of different
ages, with varied (dis)abilities and at different career levels or stages in life,
have access to your institution or organization, will be a crucial step in
supporting this quest.
A focus on diversity and inclusion will not only help tackle pressing societal
matters, but also make learning a much richer experience. Diverse and
inclusive cohorts will create a melting pot of insights and perspectives,
supporting creativity and innovation.
In a 2021 survey on executive
education among Chief Learning
Officers (CLOs), diversity and
inclusion ranked number 3 in the top
learning themes, after leadership and
change management.
Financial Times1
How can virtual and hybrid learning improve
your diversity and inclusion efforts?
1.
3.
2.
4.
They can bring together more diverse cohorts of
learners due to the scaling potential. Learners from all
over the world can attend programs that were beyond
their reach. It no longer matters where a participant is
geographically, but academically.
They allow for more accessible and flexible learning,
enabling those who cannot afford to interrupt their
career, who have family responsibilities or other
impairments, to continue their studies. Participants join
from any space connected to internet, watch recordings
or attend evening, weekend or lunch break classes.
They can lower costs in terms of travelling,
accommodation and catering but also rental space,
maintenance and paper. This way, diversity and inclusion
results can be enhanced by reducing tuition or training
fees and by increasing the number of scholarships.
They allow all personalities to shine and are excellent
for introverted participants who prefer not to share their
thoughts in a face-to-face setting. This type of learner
will feel more comfortable and open to speak up via
digital means, be it the chat section, a breakout room,
or to be very responsive to interactive content such as
quizzes and polls.
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Digital transformation
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Benefits of DX in higher education
83%
of business school leaders said they believe
that the pandemic has triggered major changes
to their institution’s long-term strategy.
Education Technology Research 2021-22, AMBA & BGA6
44%
34%
31%
29%
26%
25%
Revenue
generation from
new or existing
products/services
Customer
retention and
acquisition
Productivity
improvements
Process cycle
times
Organization’s
agility
Cost
efficiencies
Salesforce 20207
Digital transformation is not a buzzword anymore
but an imperative. Successfully driven, it will
bring a host of benefits: increased revenue, new
models adapted to the digital age, motivated
and successful learners, decreased dropout
rates, an agile and motivated workforce,
data-driven results, etc.
The elements of
digital transformation
and what they mean for
your organization
Transforming
customer
experience
Transforming
digital
platforms
Transforming
operations
Business
schools
Transforming
business
models
MIT Sloan Management Review 20208
Transforming
employee
experience
Innovation has to start from recognizing the need. It’s about
recognizing how it [technology] augments and enhances what
you do and seeing it as an enabler.
Manisha Mistry, Head of Digital Culture, Rolls Royce
Transforming
customer experience
Transforming
operations
Transforming
employee experience
Transforming
business models
Transforming
digital platforms
From the first time a learner enters
your website, throughout the
admission or sign-up process,
during their program, and beyond,
ensure your organization:
Be it admission or registration
processes, learner services, grading
assignments, HR or accounting
and finance, operations need to be
digitally transformed and become:
The people in an organization
are key to successful digital
transformation just like internal
culture, processes and workforce
mindset. From this perspective,
make sure to:
The digital transformation of
the business model(s) of your
organization can involve:
The main platforms your
organization relies upon will also
require transformation, including:
• designs compelling, seamless
and personalized experiences
that will satisfy and wow users and
customers, based on a data-driven
understanding of their personas
• can harness customer
intelligence that enables the
design of personalized and
proactive user experiences
• creates emotional engagement
with users and customers.
• automated, especially in what
concerns core processes
• connected by the same digital
thread leading to a core source of
‘truth’
• data-driven to ensure accurate
strategic decision-making.
• digital enhancements by adding
or enhancing digital channels
on top of the traditional, already
existing ones
• information-based service
extensions by expanding the
product-based business models
with –as-a-service models
• multisided platforms –
developing an educational
technology, product or service
that enables interactions and
transactions between multiple
parties e.g. Coursera.
• the core platform that is the
foundation for all key processes in
the organization.
• the external platform, the one
users, customers and partners
connect to needs to be attractive,
user-friendly and perform key
processes well.
• the data platform that can process
and deliver in-depth analytics or
build algorithms and predictions to
enhance customer experience or
ease internal operations.
• augment employee productivity
and performance by
implementing technologies
enabling people to work smarter
• future-ready staff and faculty
by developing: the capabilities
to adapt; the learning methods
to create new, personalized and
virtualized experiences; learning
departments to become agile
• flexforce: improving the
agility within a company or its
surrounding ecosystem to source
additional workforces swiftly and
effectively.
Which elements will be transformed
first, within what timeframe and to
what extent, it largely depends on
the state of digitalization and on the
specific priorities, objectives and
resources.
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Flexible learning
-3 mm
The future of business education
is flexible: untied to a specific
place, a particular timing, or a
strict format.
• Business school leaders are keen to keep
aspects of ‘faculty teaching online’ (62%)
and ‘students not coming to campus’
(65%)
Flexibility is mandatory in an
environment that will soon
become dominated by digital
natives, partial to virtualized,
on-demand learning experiences,
who must be ready for a hybrid
working world. Not to mention
the working adult learners that
need to upskill or reskill while
juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Providing ‘flexibility in learning’ is
the most popular purpose of existing
investment in relation to online learning
technologies, as cited by 77% of business
school leaders
• ‘Flexibility in learning’ is also top of
schools’ minds when looking ahead to
the next two years, for which it is cited
as a priority for investment by 67% of
respondents
So how can flexibility be enabled?
Via new, updated methods.
Education Technology Research 2021-22, AMBA & BGA 6
Virtual, hybrid, blended learning methods
Virtual learning is learning that can functionally and effectively occur
remotely using computer-based tools, without a standard classroom
environment. It can be asynchronous or synchronous (live).
Synchronous virtual learning can be enabled by purpose-built solutions like
virtual classrooms or by videoconferencing software.
Virtual asynchronous learning can happen in multiple ways (recordings,
ebooks, discussion boards, etc.), but a distinctly popular one is mobile
learning. It can mean adjusting existing content and platforms to be mobilefriendly or creating mobile-first learning experiences. The latter, enabled by
mobile applications, will allow microlearning on the go, conveniently and
interactively.
Hybrid learning, also called blended learning, is an
umbrella term encompassing a mix of onsite and
online, synchronous and asynchronous methods. It can
combine live sessions in a standard classroom, hybrid
classroom (some participants on-site, some online) or
virtual classroom, with asynchronous methods, virtual or
analog: from mobile learning or pre-recorded videos to
presentations, cheat sheets, etc.
A particular type of hybrid learning using a hybrid
virtual classroom occurs in real time with some learners
in the physical classroom and others connecting
remotely, according to their individual preferences, while
instructors teach onsite.
71%
employees agree that
lifelong learning needs to be
delivered flexibly if they are
to engage in it.
The Future of Lifelong and Executive
Education, Carrington Crisp 20212
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
-3 mm
Which aspects do you plan to keep or discard
It’s clear that tech-enabled
management education is
a long-term trend and that
live virtual teaching is going
to remain an important part
of INSEAD’s educational
repertoire. The future of
management education is
blended.
What teaching or training format
suits your needs?
in the next 5 years?
The faculty moved to
teaching online
Fully remote, hybrid or physical format
for your classes? Live sessions, virtual
asynchronous methods or blended
learning? Find out now!
Students did not come
to campus
Take our quiz
Peter Zemsky Deputy Dean, Dean of
Innovation, Professor of Strategy &
Innovation, INSEAD
Keep 36%
Keep aspects of 62%
Discard 0%
We were able to have larger
cohorts of students
Keep 9%
Keep aspects of 65%
Discard 25%
The business school was able
to adopt new technology
How interested would you be in any
of the following options for your
future of learning and development?
Providers that build communities of learners to enable continued peer
learning beyond formal studies
A Netflix-style platform for learning where I can choose from a variety
of providers to build my own degree
68
%
employees believe that a
model combining face- toface and online learning is
an ideal skills development
path
The Future of Lifelong and Executive
Education, Carrington Crisp 20212
A degree which offers opportunities to do further study at a low cost
over the next ten years to top up or add new skills
A degree which I could study in modules over a period of several years
as and when it suits me
Keep 36%
Keep aspects of 57%
Discard 7%
Keep 84%
Keep aspects of 16%
Discard 0%
10%
Very interested
Education Technology Research 2021-22, AMBA & BGA6
Quite interested
The Future of Lifelong and Executive Education, Carrington Crisp 20212
Interested
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
A little interested
70%
80%
90%
100%
Not interested
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
New content & formats
Business education programs
are deemed to undergo
extensive changes and
variations in terms of content
and format.
ership
ical lead
h
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Respons
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.
nts
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%.
and res
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teaching
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Financia
215
Times 20
Learners need to acquire strong business
knowledge, technological awareness or soft
skills, paired with knowledge about wider
societal issues such as climate emergency,
diversity and inclusion, or inequality.
Curricula need to be adapted to
educate talents that are agile
and can stay ahead of the
curve, to the lifelong learning
requirement of working
adults or to the increasingly
personalized, interactive and
virtualized demands of digital
natives.
The
one-size-fits-all education
model will become obsolete
and give way to a variety of
programs and learning paths:
short courses, non-degree
programs, certifications or microlearning. These will preferably be tailored
to the specific demands of a learner and according to their results.
Data, analytics and AI will enable organizations to optimize and
personalize learning paths, pointing out areas of individual development
or improvement.
We’ve got an international
MBA given in English with 60%
foreign students. We’ve got
a French MBA which is 80%
locals, and we’ve got part-time
programs that are 100% locals.
The need or the potential for
online learning for these three
different categories will be
different. So, one size does not
fit all.
Business School Director, Canada
Education Technology Research 2021-22,
AMBA & BGA6
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
New formats
What qualifications might you seek in the next 5 years?
Chief Learning Officers
ranking providers of
executive education listed
the ability to customize
executive education as the
most important aspect.
Financial Times 20211
There is a need to reinvent
MBA degrees to make them
relevant for the future
23%
Diploma/certificates
An industry recognized qualification
21%
Masters degree delivered over 1 or 2 years
21%
Digital badge
19%
A program run as part of required continuing
professional development (CPD)
19%
I do not expect to seek a formal qualification
but rather take a series of short skills courses
17%
Executive MBA
14%
Another type of degree
14%
MBA
14%
Stackable degree delivered in modules
over an extended period
A program described
as a microcredential
Definitely agree
Mostly agree
Neither agree, nor disagree
Mostly disagree
Definitely disagree
The Future of Lifelong and Executive Education,
Carrington Crisp 20212
13%
9%
The case for soft
skills in business
education
Soft skills are a combination of
behavioral skills, personality traits
and attitudes, based on emotional
intelligence. Developing them will
enable learners to perform well in a
diverse range of work-related and
life situations.
Soft skills are becoming increasingly
relevant because they cannot yet
be replaced by technology, and
are necessary in any job function,
transcending roles, organizations
and industries.
McKinsey9 asserts that soft skills will
be part of the key skill set for thriving
amid uncertainty and navigating
continuous change. The most
important skills that emerged were
problem-solving, critical thinking,
innovation and creativity.
How to teach soft skills virtually?
1.
Organize learning sessions targeting soft skills specifically.
Dedicate courses to the skills your learners require. Do not treat them like a
nice to have and don’t try to teach too many soft skills at once. It’s better to
narrow down the skills and then go in depth.
2.
Make learning engaging and collaborative.
Use varied content: videos, impactful images, polls and quizzes. Being
attentive is vital in soft skills acquirement, so observe participants and their
reactions closely.
Practicing is also key and virtually, breakout rooms are essential. Create
small groups and give situation-based exercises to teach customer skills,
negotiation, conflict management or communication.
3.
Introduce offline exercises and online coaching.
Give participants homework – a scenario which they can work on or practice
offline, with a partner or friend. Ask them to reflect and report back in future
sessions about their experience. Ensure individual check-ins or 121 coaching
for personal feedback.
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
New competitors
The competitive landscape
of business education
is changing at a swift
pace. Digitalization has
led to the diversification
and democratization of
education. It is now more
global, more accessible and
affordable than ever.
How to stay ahead of the curve?
The digital revolution is bringing
an increasing number of players
on the market, often with a more
tailored, tech-savvy offering than
many established institutions and
organizations.
The options are numerous: skill-focused platforms like Udacity or
Codeacademy; training via platforms such as LinkedIn Learning or Udemy;
platforms such as Coursera, edX or FutureLearn that began with an offering
centered around MOOCs but now offer a range of fully-online degrees with
partner universities who saw the value of digitalization.
While these might not yet have the status of prestigious institutions, they
can definitely be worthy competitors. Even considering established business
schools and universities only, competition will become more global and
fiercer than ever before.
65%
The global e-learning
market is expected to grow
from $185.26 billion to
$ 388.23 billion in 2026
Global E-learning Market Forecast
10
of employees and 75% of employers agree that the location of a
learning provider will become less important as online provision
becomes more sophisticated.
69%
of employees feel schools need to work more closely with
employers to develop programs relevant for the future of work.
The Future of Lifelong and Executive Education, Carrington Crisp 20212
1.
2.
3.
Develop new models and learning
paths that will complement your
standard programs. The possibilities
are endless – short courses, online
certifications, hybrid programs, etc.
Make sure you conduct in-depth
analysis into the possibilities to
ensure the fit with your organization
and its target learners.
Ensure your institution or
organization has a strong brand, a
good reputation and is accredited
and ranked high by the relevant
bodies. When asked about the
importance of brand in decisionmaking, 62% of respondents agreed
it is important for any future learning
to be with a provider with an
international brand reputation. 2
Collaborate across departments
and with other organizations.
Foster partnerships with businesses,
innovation hubs or startups for
a broader business perspective.
You can even join forces with
potential competitors to devise new
educational programs.
Match the educational offering
Have a strong brand
Develop partnerships
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Virtual & hybrid virtual classrooms
We have to substantially
improve the physical
environment they return
to. It’s no longer sitting
there staring at a laptop in a
library all day or in an office
environment alongside a
thousand heads.
Rob McCargow,
Director of AI, Technology & Investments,
PwC
+24%
in the usage of virtual
classroom in business schools
in 2021, in comparison with
the previous year.
Education Technology Research 2021-22,
AMBA & BGA6
82%
of business school leaders
said their school is planning
to invest further in technology
over the coming two years to
enable online teaching.
Education Technology Research 2021-22,
AMBA & BGA6
Virtual and hybrid classrooms are solutions created specifically
for impactful teaching and training.
Both enable successful learning outcomes through high-quality interaction,
engaging content via multiple streams and features such as polls and quizzes.
They allow for quality collaboration and networking via tools such as
whiteboards or enhanced breakout rooms. They deliver in-depth analytics
and overall, offer a more immersive experience. Virtual classrooms enable
learners and instructors to connect to live sessions fully remote, while hybrid
classrooms require the instructor and part of the audience to be on site and
part remotely.
-3 mm
The advantages of
virtual classrooms
The advantages of
hybrid virtual classrooms
Global reach
Attendance flexibility
Deliver effective and engaging programs globally, to a
pool of learners larger than ever and bring together the
best talents worldwide to learn and connect.
According to their preference or availability, participants
can choose whether they join virtually or physically.
Inclusion
Learners enjoy a varied learning path, network with their
peers online and in person, occasionally meet their
instructors and even experience the campus.
Diverse cohorts from many countries, backgrounds and
all walks of life can join. It is great for working learners,
for those with family duties or with impairments.
Not sure if the hybrid virtual classroom is right for your?
Cost-effectiveness
Discover which setup suits your needs: virtual, hybrid or active
learning spaces.
Take our quiz
Travelling costs are removed, just as accommodation or
catering, while others such as rental space, maintenance
and printed learning materials will be drastically reduced.
Best of both worlds
Glocalization
Programs will become a melting pot of global and local
perspectives and insights. It will be a most enriching
experience essential for forming business leaders.
virtual
virtual
classroom
classroom
solution
solution
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
istance learning solutions can boost the results of your learning and development activities
9 tips for picking the right
r become a drain on productivity and resources. Before taking a decision, consider these
mportant tips we drafted together with veteran trainer Anke Smolders-Aidam!
virtual classroom solution
A
A
A
B
C
B
C
C
A
B
C
B
5. Interaction
6. Collaboration
Feedback from learners is
important for two reasons:
it energizes and motivates
an instructor and it shows if
teachings are grasped or need to
be optimized. Digital feedback
and data such as response
and engagement rates bring
significant added value.
To create engagement, to
keep everybody involved and
to maintain the pace of the
class, interactive tools such as
questions, polls, quizzes and
screen sharing are very helpful.
If these are important to you, be
sure to ask for the tools with the
right features.
Teamwork, meeting peers
and expanding networks
is an important part of the
experience. Hence, the
collaboration between
learners must be ensured by
group activities and technical
capabilities such as breakout
rooms.
7. User friendliness
8. Test
9. Think it through
Most often, the instructor is
a professor with specialized
knowledge, rather than an
online teaching expert. To offer
the best experience, go for an
intuitive solution that makes
instructors comfortable in front
of the virtual class.
Test-run any solutions you
consider. Most suppliers allow
test-runs of one sort or another.
Cross-check which solution
meets all your training needs.
Last but not least, take your
time. This decision is important
and has a long-term impact on
the effectiveness of your future
teaching and ultimately your
contribution to the company’s
strategy.
ABC ABC
Distance learning solutions can boost the results of
your teaching and training activities, or become a
drain on productivity and resources. Before taking a
decision, consider these important tips.
A
B
A
B
C
C
1. Pedagogy
Before talking specs, talk pedagogy first. Determine your
raining needs and goals. For example, who needs to be trained
n what subject and in what timeframe? Not all virtual
classrooms will be able to meet your needs.
1. Pedagogy
2. Size
Before talking specs, talk
Determine roughly how many
pedagogy. Determine your
participants will attend your
teaching needs and goals.
desired learning sessions.
Who needs to be taught, in
Teaching 10 people requires a
what subjects and within what
different solution or setup than
Determine timeframe?
roughlyNot
how
many participants
will
attend your
all virtual
teaching
100.
classrooms will be able to meet
your needs.
2. Size
olution to training 80.
3. Place
4. Feedback
3. Place
Where will the instructor be
teaching from? On-site, at
home, both? Ask the same
question on the learner side: will
they all be remote or mixed with
in-class participants in a hybrid
classroom?
-3 mm
Virtual classroom, real learning
Join on interactive & engaging weConnect
discovery session.
Register here
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Artificial intelligence (AI)
What are
the use cases?
In 2022 and in the years to come, all eyes will be on AI.
The AI in Education Market Research Report (2020)11 asserts
that the global market for AI in education will reach $25.7
billion in 2030, up from just $1.1 billion in 2019. It’s not a
surprise considering the benefits it can bring to business
education.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a machine
to display human-like capabilities such as reasoning,
learning, planning and creativity.
It’s already being used in education and examples
include software for translation, plagiarism
checks, text correction tools, voice-recording
transcript, etc. But its potential for further
developments is huge.
Hassle free administration.
AI will allow to automate
tedious, time-consuming
tasks and simplify complex
processes such as sign-up,
registration or admission
processes and support
decision-making or
assignment grading.
Stellar customer service
at all stages in the learner
journey from the moment
they enter the website of the
institution or organization to
the moment they finish the
program and beyond.
Examples include chatbots
that answer questions
related to programs and
application procedures, or
digital assistants that support
instructors in the classroom,
automating tasks or displaying
learner engagement levels in
real time.
Tailored learning according
to an individual’s results and
progress. AI will reveal areas
of improvement or excellence
and devise unique learning
paths, suggesting courses
and programs. It will identify
disengaged learners, keep
them motivated, decrease
drop-out rates and enhance
outcomes.
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
weConnect
work in progress
Spend more time to really
work with the business.
Understand what are the
latest challenges, what are
the opportunities? And then
based on that try to match
the needs with a suitable
technology.
weConnect virtual teaching assistant
weConnect is the Barco software solution
purpose-built to enable engaging, successful
teaching and training experiences, online,
hybrid or onsite, on any device.
The AI will enable:
• Automatic heatmaps on the participants’ wall, colorcoding according to
the level of participation in the session (from questions answered or asked,
polls, quiz, etc.)
• Data display on activity level such as questions, polls, etc.
• Breakout room participant distribution based on activity levels or poll,
questions and quizzes answers allowing for groups with similar or opposing
views
• The possibility to automatically assign roles of spokesperson for note taking,
saving time and ensuring equal task distribution
• Post-session insights and analysis of historical data, revealing patterns of
activity and engagement for each learner throughout the entire educational
program, drawing out conclusions to optimize learning paths and learner
outcomes.
References
Choo Tatt Saw, CIO at INSEAD
4 considerations for adopting AI
1.
3.
Strong use case
Strategic partners
Develop a use case with defined objectives for the
AI you need. Base your use case on strong business
understanding and make sure there is clear collaboration
between all concerned departments which will
implement and work with it.
Make sure you choose a strategic partner to implement
the desired solution with. The right partner will let you
test-run it, listen to your challenges and demands, and
have a reliable team that will be supportive and open to
offer a tailored approach.
2.
4.
AI adoption can be daunting. Depending on the
magnitude of the changes, employees might be
reluctant. Some might even fear for their job. Make sure
to communicate internally that the role of AI will be to
support workers, remove or ease dull, repetitive tasks and
leave time for high cognitive ones. Provide training and
support throughout the entire adoption process.
Large and accurate amounts of data is a prerequisite
for AI. Ensuring full transparency regarding any legal or
ethical concerns that might arise is imperative. Clarify
to all users what data is captured, how it is processed,
stored, and secured. Respect regulations like GDPR and
minimize any potential bias in AI decision-making.
Change management
Data
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Gamification, virtual and
augmented reality
The global gamification
education market value
was of 840$ in 2020 and is
expected to grow by 2317$
billion by 2026.
Gamification Education Market
Report 202112
Gamification, which is the use of game-design elements in
non-game contexts, and immersive technologies such as
virtual and augmented reality will be increasingly popular.
These can successfully supplement and diversify standard pedagogical
practices. They aid experiential learning, entertain and motivate learners.
Furthermore, these technologies keep participants engaged with content
for longer periods of time, increase attention span and support enhanced
knowledge acquirement.
Virtual reality and augmented reality help learners process and understand
taught concepts and can prepare them for specific working environment
situations, be it job interviews, sales negotiations or public speaking.
They are particularly attractive to digital natives that will enroll in business
education in an increasingly larger number. These can prove an attraction
point, offer a competitive advantage to any organization and give these
learners the desired learning experiences: interactive, immersive and
virtualized ones that will enable bright outcomes.
Introduction
Societal trends
Virtual reality usage in business schools
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
How to gamify your virtual business education programs
The use of virtual reality (VR), including the use of VR materials, courses and
campuses, is becoming more and more common among the world’s top
business schools.
tops or unlock new levels once
learning tasks are completed.
Rewards in the form of certificates or
badges will be highly appreciated.
Reasons for implementing VR
Do you use virtual reality
in your institution?
Yes
No
Don’t know
To make teaching
more ‘exciting’
To create more of a differentiated
learning experience
65%
46%
To modernize
the process of teaching
To adjust to students’
different learning styles
62%
23%
To teach in a more
productive way
To bring learning closer
to the student interests
50%
35%
In what way is your business school using virtual reality?
65%
To teach in a more exciting way
62%
To modernise the process of learning
50%
To teach in a more productive way
46%
To create more of a differentiated learning experience for students
42%
To ease the process of learning
38%
To create more personalized learning experiences for students
35%
To bring learning closer to the students’ interests
To adjust to the students’ different learning styles
Education Technology Research 2021-22, AMBA & BGA6
23%
1.
Integrate gamification elements,
either into your LMS or by using
dedicated platforms. Use point
systems for assessment, create tops
or unlock new levels once learning
tasks are completed. Rewards in the
form of certificates or badges will be
highly appreciated.
2.
Make live sessions interactive
by using available features such as
quizzes and polls, whiteboards and
breakout rooms. Keep sessions short
(maximum one hour) and varied.
Use appealing videos, infographics
and images. Don’t forget to monitor
attention and response rates.
3.
Encourage healthy competition.
Learning is a more of a journey
than a destination, so don’t make
it all about being in the first place.
Support competition but also
give constructive feedback and
reassurance when learners don’t
succeed from the first try or don’t
have ideal results.
Introduction
Societal trends
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
Deliver bright learning outcomes,
flexibly and interactively
How can weConnect help you adapt
to these trends and make sure your
organization stays ahead of the curve?
Barco weConnect is a
platform that supports
your organization’s digital
transformation by enabling
engaging, successful
teaching and training
experiences, online, hybrid or
onsite, on any device.
Discover weConnect here
• Our platform allows you to design lifelong learning programs that are
flexible, engaging and that fit the requirements and busy lives of lifelong
learners.
• It supports your environmental objectives so your organization can be
more sustainable. It can lower the carbon footprint by significantly reducing
travelling, accommodation, classroom space and paper needs.
• The weConnect solution improves your diversity & inclusion efforts
by enabling more diverse cohorts of participants in terms of country of
provenance, age, (dis)abilities and personalities.
• It is part of your long-term digital transformation journey that will take your
organization forward and towards a thriving future.
• The platform enables flexible learning sessions, and is suitable for distance,
hybrid or onsite teaching and training.
• It supports you deliver new content & formats of learning, thanks to
its multiple setup options: virtual classrooms for virtual learning, hybrid
classroom for flexible, onsite and remote sessions.
Trusted and proudly used by hundreds of customers
• weConnect helps you stay at the top of your game when facing new
entrants in the market by allowing you to deliver new, competitive
programs and by strengthening your brand.
• It can be set up as a virtual or hybrid classroom and is a dedicated solution,
built together with learning designers, AV and IT experts as well as L&D
professionals from top organizations.
• With weConnect, you can enjoy a head start thanks to our AI-enabled
features that we continue to develop supported by the feedback of our
customers.
• Lastly, you can gamify learning sessions thanks to our interactive features
such as quizzes and polls, whiteboard and pins, enhanced breakout rooms
and more.
Introduction
Societal trends
Our customer stories
Industry trends
Tech trends
Barco weConnect
References
[1] Executive education 2021: FT survey shows what employers want 2021. Financial Times.
Available here
[2] The Future of Lifelong and Executive Education 2021. Carrington Crisp. Available here
[3] Sustainability skills survey 2019-20. SOS-UK. Available here
[4] International Climate Change Report. AMBA & BGA in association with Jyväskylä University School
of Business and Economics 20/21. Available here
weConnect powers INSEAD GOLive, a ground-breaking online
experience helping executives learn
from anywhere in the world.
Thanks to weConnect, Mays
Business School in the US educates
over 6,400 students in accounting,
management, marketing, etc.
Wilmington plc transformed their
training offering for the digital age
with a weConnect virtual classroom.
[5] Teaching sustainability: how MBAs are combining mainstream with green-stream. Financial Times. Available here
[6] Education Technology Research 2021-22. Association of MBAs and Business Graduates association
Available here
Read the INSEAD story
Read the Mays Business
School story
Read the Wilmington story
[7] The future of higher education 2020. Salesforce. Available here
[8] Didier Bonnet and George Westerman, The New Elements of Digital Transformation 2020.
Available here
[9] Soft skills for a hard world (2020) McKinsey. Available here
[10] Global E-learning Market - Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 (2021) Available here
[11] AI in Education Market Research Report 2020 Available here
[12] Gamification Education Market Report 2021 Available here
[13] Diversity wins: How inclusion matters (2020) McKinsey Available here
Experience the Barco
weConnect platform
• Teaching and learning for
the digital era
• Engaging & interactive
• Active & collaborative
Join a discovery session
M00000-R12-1122-PB | Last updated: November 2022
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References