In the post-Covid world, there has been a major shift towards online learning in recent years. According to a new study from CarringtonCrisp, there has been a marked increase in the proportion of tailored custom programs provided online by business schools to their clients. This shift represents a reversal of the post-pandemic trend where many schools anticipated a return to in-person training.
The study shows that the proportion of these custom programs offered online surged from 19 percent in 2022 to 30 percent in the following year. This notable rise underscores the growing acceptance and preference for online learning among executives and organizations alike.
Benefits of online executive education
One of the primary advantages of online executive education is the flexibility it offers. Busy professionals can access course materials, participate in discussions and complete assignments at their own pace, without the need to travel or take significant time off work.
“We find that the flexibility offered with online executive programs can be a major draw,” says Ray Irving, director of digital education at the UK’s Cambridge Judge Business School.
Also: online courses break down geographical barriers, allowing executives from around the world to participate. This not only broadens the reach of business schools but also enriches the learning experience through diverse perspectives.
What’s more, online education often proves to be more cost-effective compared to traditional in-person courses. Savings on travel, accommodation and other expenses make it an attractive option for both individuals and organizations.
“In general, online executive courses tend to be more affordable,” says Marc Cortés, director of the Executive Master in Digital Business at Esade Business School in Barcelona. “Often, the ROI [return on investment] is higher due to the immediate application of what is learned at work.”
But he warns: “Some online executive programs from elite institutions can have prices comparable to their on-campus counterparts due to their prestige and quality.”
Nonetheless, the integration of advanced technology in online courses is another big draw, because it enhances learning through interactive tools, real-time feedback and access to a vast array of digital resources. This tech-savvy approach can be particularly appealing to executives looking to stay ahead in a digital world.
“With the improvements and advancements in technology, online programs are able to offer interactive and engaging learning environments, and reach participants globally, providing really diverse and engaged cohorts,” adds Cambridge Judge’s Irving.
However, he notes that the cost-differentials are reducing as more and more investment is required in technology to create and support excellent online programs. “We expect this gap to continue to narrow in future years,” Irving states.
The blended learning approach
The blended format, which combines online and in-person components, has also gained traction, with 22 percent of courses being offered in this manner, according to the CarringtonCrisp study.
Blended learning provides the best of both worlds, offering the flexibility of online education with the tangible benefits of face-to-face interactions. This hybrid approach fosters networking opportunities and hands-on experiences while maintaining the convenience of digital access.
As the world has become more adept at hybrid work contexts, business schools are increasingly called to deliver online learning experiences, notes Trisha Fountain, the former managing director for digital and open-enrolment programs for the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
But, she says, “there is a paradox in that executives report better peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities from in-person programs, but busy schedules require the flexibility of delivery modalities that include asynchronous and synchronous online delivery of content as well”.
“Schools that find a way to seamlessly marry these two experiences together will likely have the most success in meeting the needs and preferences of today’s executive learners,” Fountain adds.
The future of executive education
The shift towards online executive education reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in the education sector. The increased proportion of tailored custom programs provided online, along with the popularity of blended learning formats, highlights the growing demand for flexible and accessible solutions.
For busy executives looking to enhance their skills and knowledge, online executive education courses offer a compelling and effective alternative to traditional in-person training.
