Technavio’s latest report on the virtual schools market in the US provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook through 2019. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.

The top four emerging trends driving the virtual schools market in the US according to Technavio’s education research analysts are:

Implementation of user-friendly web conferencing solutions

Technavio analysts indicate that virtual school market vendors are developing web conferencing solutions that are easy to use and priced as per customer requirements in order to gain a larger market share. The complexity of web conferencing products increases with rise of integrated features and may decrease its implementation. Therefore, major vendors in the market are developing user-friendly solutions.

Jhansi Mary J, Technavio’s lead education technology analyst, says, “Web conferencing solutions that are equipped with improved user interface and can deliver effective lectures without any technical or operational issues are in high demand. Developments in these solutions are expected to have a great impact on the virtual schools market in the US, as they are increasingly used as an online learning tool.”

Companies like Blackboard Collaborate offer web conferencing capabilities to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Some of the functions offered include two-way VoIP, built-in phone conferencing, application and desktop sharing, session recording, among other features to engage hundreds of students in a virtual classroom.

Advances in technology

Virtual schools providers deliver content based on new and unique technological tools such as learning management system (LMS), learning content management system (LCMS), and other authoring tools and software. These tools have become a critical part of any school implementing online education or training. The increased use of SaaS and cloud-based LMS make the management and delivery of course content, easy and smooth. “LMS and LCMS tools are also compatible with multiple web and video conferencing software solutions developed by various vendors. Such innovations in technology will improve the overall learning experience of the students,” adds Jhansi.

The US government is also actively promoting the use of e-textbooks, graphics, and other interactive digital content to enhance the learning experience, primarily in the K-12 segment. In addition, respective state governments are striving to improve the quality standards by concentrating on e-learning and technology in a bid to maintain the country's position that it has an advanced education system in place.

Increased demand for distance learning

The report also emphasizes the rise in demand for distance learning, which offers opportunities for people worldwide, in particular for those that find it difficult to attend university because of financial, geographical, or scheduling reasons. Most of the distance education content is delivered online or in the packaged form of books and CDs. However, virtual schools help in delivering content in a synchronous environment and are gradually taking over other traditional modes.

“There has been an increase in the number of schools worldwide providing online courses, especially in developing economies of India and China. The availability of low-cost software platforms that allow schools to create, deliver, and manage courses online is further fueling the growth of the market,” says Jhansi.

Following the increase in demand for online courses and advances in technology, distance learning is likely to continue contributing to the revenue of the virtual schools market in the US over the next five years.

High adoption rate of tablets

Technavio pinpoints rise in adoption of tablets as the fourth trending factor that is fueling the growth of the virtual schools market in the US. Tablets are overtaking notebooks and desktop PCs, as they have touchscreen options, are lightweight, are economically priced, and offer more benefits as a mobile computing device. Vendors are currently manufacturing tablets that incorporate features that are suitable to the needs of students and teachers.

In 2013, the US accounted for approximately 69% of the total education tablets market and experienced a consumption of 5.6 million units.

Some of the top vendors in the virtual schools market in the US as analyzed by Technavio’s analysts are:

  • Connections Academy
  • K12
  • Mosaica Education
  • White Hat Management

Browse Related Reports:

  • Global Classroom Collaboration Management Systems Market 2015-2019
  • Global Digital Classroom Hardware Market 2015-2019
  • Global Digital Classroom Market 2015-2019

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Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

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