Rethinking education in a changing world: The power of online learning platforms

Key points:

• Education must be as dynamic as the world we live in
• Redesigning online education around human connection
• Reimagining online learning: Emerging technologies can better serve learners
• For more on online learning platforms, visit eCN’s Teaching & Learning hub

Technology is reshaping every aspect of society–from work to communication to healthcare–with profound implications for education.

As our knowledge of learning has progressed, schools have incrementally adapted to meet students’ needs. Yet the core experience has barely changed. Today, it’s finally practical to shift from time-bound models based on fixed curricula to more personalized, flexible systems that go beyond classrooms. Skills-focused online learning platforms empower educators and learners in this transformation.

These platforms broaden access to opportunities for developing new skills, dismantling systemic barriers, and empowering learners with more control over their education. In the age of AI, this is vital for students and teachers alike.

As a business leader, college graduate, and mother, I recognize that education is about more than preparing people for work. It should broadly enrich people’s lives. However, I also understand that educators want students to succeed in all aspects of life, work included, and technology is rapidly changing the workplace.

In this new paradigm, education can’t be frontloaded into our lives, where most stop “formal” learning after high school, and others after college. We’re shifting toward a world where lifelong learning is essential–something educators can be excited about. Because skills will change quickly across careers, ongoing education is integral to success.

Students need to learn how to work alongside AI and other emerging technologies now and develop a willingness to continue learning as new technologies appear, and teachers must be prepared to lead that education. That’s where online learning platforms come in. They can help teachers and students quickly gain skills to stay effective with new technologies

A new era for education

In this new era, the roles of students, teachers, and business and civic leaders are changing.

Traditional education sustains a strong economy–well-rounded students become capable professionals. Yet all organizations have a role to play in education now, too. The new “learning arc” means that once students leave the school system and enter the workforce, their organizations need to support them with ongoing skills development. That means helping professionals identify and close skills gaps.

Educators must evolve their own skills so that they can prepare students for the future. Part of that is certainly technical–learning about the latest tools–and part of it is about integrating technology into the classroom in an effective, ethical manner that supports creativity and critical thinking while discouraging students from becoming over-reliant on the latest tools.

For students, teachers, and other professionals alike, the evolution in education is also reshaping what it means to be an effective learner. Adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts are more important than ever, and we can use these indicators as measures of success.

Learning that aligns with life

Online learning platforms offer the opportunity to rapidly build new skills, alongside the theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and socio-emotional skills that traditional schools offer. On-demand content, interactive labs, real-world projects, and self-paced modules meet learners where they are–geographically, financially, and cognitively.

When it comes to technology skills, sandboxes provide a great example case. They’re like mock-courts for tech. Sandboxes allow learners to engage with new technology and tools in a safe way, disconnected from real-world implications, so they can experiment without security risks or “breaking” anything in an organizational network or their personal devices.

What’s more, these platforms tend to focus on practical, job-ready skills. Whether it’s coding, cloud architecture, data analysis, or cybersecurity, learners consume practical guidance and apply what they’ve learned in simulated environments that mimic real-world challenges. This has proven to be an effective way to make learning stick, and it builds confidence and competence quickly.

Online learning platforms also offer the flexibility people need to grow in the flow of their lives. Whether a technology teacher is learning Python after hours, a parent is learning data visualization after the kids go to bed, or an aspiring young architect is gaining cloud certification on weekends, learning is an option for everyone’s schedule.

This flexibility is especially valuable for those who have historically struggled with conventional education or have had barriers to accessing it. People of all ages and backgrounds can now access world-class education without debt or relocation.

A scalable solution to build knowledge from within

As companies race to keep up with digital transformation, they’re facing an urgent need to build and retain technical talent. Schools face a similar challenge: Educators must understand these technologies to effectively integrate them in classrooms. But technology has not been the natural domain of all educators. Reskilling and upskilling enable organizations to transform while retaining talent and knowledge.

This is where the scalability of online learning models shines. Rather than managing a patchwork of training solutions, organizations can integrate on-demand learning into their existing systems. Employees can learn exactly what they need, when they need it, in alignment with organizational goals. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, leaders gain visibility into skills development at scale, while employees get a clearer path to growth and opportunity.

The result? A more agile, capable, and resilient workforce. In the case of schools, a workforce that can then apply the knowledge directly in their classrooms.

Meeting the moment with a new way to learn

We are at a critical inflection point as the shelf life of skills is shrinking and the demand for tech fluency is growing across every industry. Whether just starting out or reinventing oneself mid-career, learners need flexible access to leading information

Skills-focused online learning platforms aren’t a substitute for traditional learning–they’re powerful tools that meet the complexity of the current moment. They allow learners to personalize their paths, build tangible skills, and participate fully in the digital economy. They also help organizations future-proof staff without complicating development systems

This shift isn’t about replacing the classroom; it’s about expanding it and recognizing that education must be as dynamic as the world we live in. The future belongs to the learners, and thanks to modern learning platforms, ongoing education is accessible for everyone.

About the Author:

Erin Gajdalo is the Chief Executive Officer of Pluralsight, the leading technology workforce development company that helps organizations and people around the world transform with technology. Prior to becoming CEO, Erin served as Pluralsight’s Chief Operating Officer, playing a key role in defining the company’s business strategy while driving performance through standardization of execution practices and performance measurement.