COVID-19 and the future of ‘brick and mortar’ education

The education industry has seen significant changes over the years. Across the world both traditional and non-traditional education service providers have tried to be relevant by introducing new courses, adopting technology and entering into collaborative partnerships (with other institutions) to differentiate and sustain in the market place. 

Irrespective of their reputation, global ranking, research capabilities, industry linkages, innovation or type of funding every university in the world needs to consciously work on its business model, student enrolment strategies and the overall value that it creates for its stakeholders. 

The primary reasons that drive these aspects include; increasing competition, wider variety of options and alternatives now required (and available) for students, changing perceptions of students and employers, changes in job requirements (and skills necessary) and regulation. There has also been significant debate as of late on the relevance and future of traditional education also known as ‘brick and mortar’ education. 

‘Brick and mortar’ education can be defined as an education that is provided by a college, university, or other type of school that conducts majority of its instruction on a physical campus or location with courses being taught primarily in person. Some traditional universities have introduced blended learning and online learning options to their curriculums as of late with a significant drive towards it. Others have been surprisingly rather slow to adopt. 

However, it should be noted that ‘brick and mortar’ education still contributes a majority share of the overall education market. Historically there has been a perception that ‘brick and mortar’ education is more recognised than other forms of delivery. Whether that perception is justifiable especially in the modern era is a debate for another time.

As you are aware currently the entire world is impacted by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Most countries have already implemented a lockdown procedure in order to contain the spread of the virus. As a result of the lockdown, physical distancing, work from home and self-isolation have become the norm and an absolute necessity for the safety of everyone concerned. 

As I write this article the US has just over taken China as the country with the most number of infected cases. The situation in Italy is extremely concerning and unfortunate. The mainstream media has also reported that both the Prime Minister and Health Secretary of the UK have also been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is evident that COVID-19 will have a health, economic and psychological impact. Every industry is going to be affected and only time will tell the magnitude of the impact. 

In the current backdrop, the ‘brick and mortar’ education industry has also been severely impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the world most universities, schools, education institutions, tuition centres and vocational training institutions have had to temporarily postpone or cancel its physical academic sessions due to the pandemic. 

Interestingly, most of these institutions are currently continuing academic sessions through the use of various online platforms. Some academic institutions are conducting programs through their own proprietary online learning platforms whilst others are using free platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live and Google Meet for example. The rest of the institutions are just closed with no progressive action plan to resume their programs. 

Interestingly some academics and secondary school teachers in Sri Lanka are even using WhatsApp as a medium to teach their students. Even though basic as it may sound, nevertheless it seems effective, which is what matters at the end of the day. 

Having spoken to some of the students (secondary and tertiary) these days on their views of being compelled to stay at home and pursue online education options, it is evident that from an overall perspective there are no major reservations or challenges. In fact majority of them seemed comfortable and pleased with the overall experience and the ability to continue their academic activities without any hindrance. This is the same sentiment of parents as well.    

Now as the world gets more adapted to using online platforms in order to access and fulfil their educations needs due to COVID-19 (as result of no other choice), it definitely opens up a fresh debate on the future of ‘brick and mortar’ education. 

Will COVID-19 be the beginning of the end to ‘brick and mortar’ education? Will online education be the preferred medium of education in the future and overtake traditional mediums? How should traditional education service providers adopt their service delivery? What would be the student preferences (also expectations) in the future post COVID-19? These are some of the questions that will crop up. 

I believe that whilst it’s rather premature to answer these questions conclusively, there is no doubt that the ‘brick and mortar’ model of education will continue to be disrupted. Hence, the key for every education service provider will be to critically identify and understand whether they are ready to adopt change, leaving aside legacy processes and move forward with the changing times. To be honest it is not a choice, i.e. adopt or perish. It’s that simple!

The education policy makers and industry stakeholders in Sri Lanka will also need to look into this aspect more closely especially when it comes to the tertiary sector. It seems that the private sector has already started the race. The million dollar question is whether the State sector is ready or at least is in the process of doing so. Hopefully, the State sector would not be the Mo Farah in Usain Bolt’s 100m race when it comes to this scenario. 

In the meantime stay safe everyone, be responsible and let’s weather this storm together!