In a world that seems to run on wifi, it’s no wonder that there’s been a steady growth rate in online learning. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this trend, many students transitioned their education fully online. As society returns to normal — and defines its “new” normal — here are a few reasons why online education is here to stay.
“Online learning is much more than placing ground-based curriculums online. It is a specialized process designed to produce the same student outcomes as traditional residential programs. It is both art and science.”
Tracy Lorenz, President and CEO of Triumph Higher Education Group & Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
“Online learning is much more than placing ground-based curriculums online. It is a specialized process designed to produce the same student outcomes as traditional residential programs. It is both art and science.”Trends in Online Learning
Prior to the pandemic, online learning was becoming increasingly popular. 2020 was the largest year for EdTech spending and it’s estimated that $87 billion and it’s estimated that $87 billion will be invested in EdTech over the next 10 years, almost triple the prior decade. And it makes sense. People today want convenience, and the ability to prioritize their lives according to what they value most. They’re less willing to give up what they find important for the traditional rigid structures of on-campus education.
Additionally, 40% of college graduates are working in jobs that don’t actually require their qualifications, so skills-based learning is rapidly growing as graduates want education that will actually prepare them for the workforce. In fact, Forbes highlighted skills-based learning in its recent study on online learning trends. Students want education not just in the theory of a subject, but also the practical application — and courses in both hard skills and soft skills are sought out.
You can even attend culinary school online. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts pioneered online culinary education over a decade ago, so we know a thing or two about how to deliver a quality education online. Escoffier was the first U.S. accredited institution to offer 100% online degrees with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships.1 Escoffier’s curriculum includes skills-based classes in the history and science of food, global perspectives and current events, culinary and baking tools and techniques, managing a budget, and more.
Insights from BestColleges’ Online Education Trends Report
- 95% of students overall and 83% of remote learners said they’d recommend online or remote learning to others.
- 93% of students said they have had or expect a positive return on their online education investment.
- 74% of students thought that online learning was better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Benefits of Online Learning
There are a host of benefits to online learning, supporting students in all phases and from many walks of life. Here are a few:
Work Around a Busy Schedule
Online learning can allow you to receive an education that you can work around a packed or unconventional schedule. Watch classes and work on your assignments when it suits you. Working full-time or part-time in the culinary industry already? No problem. This employment can actually be of use when getting a culinary degree, as you can put the skills you’re learning into professional practice in real-time. Plus, working while in school may provide additional resources for you to apply towards financing your education.
If it’s family obligations you’re concerned about, you can get an online education without missing another soccer game or dance recital. Even those serving active military duty may earn a diploma or degree online — it’s all possible.
Pay Lower Costs of Attendance
Generally speaking, online programs are offered at more affordable rates than on-campus programs due to less overhead needed to operate them. This is welcome news for many people who want to further their skills and certifications, but aren’t thrilled about the price tags that come with most higher education opportunities.
There are other costs you’ll cut by attending school online too… By skipping any commute, you’ll save the time, money, gas, parking, and transit fees.
Study From Anywhere
With no relocation required, you can attend online school from anywhere with wifi. You can still receive a rich interactive experience through digital exchanges with your fellow peers and instructors via classes and discussion boards.
Most virtual programs offer support services for online students that mirror an on-campus experience. For instance, Escoffier’s Chef Instructors hold office hours throughout the week, so you have access to the support you need, meeting you right where you are and without disrupting your schedule.
Kristen Douglas, Escoffier Online Culinary Arts Graduate
“For me, having access to the school online means it is now possible to receive the culinary education I have desired, while still being able to grow my business and take care of my family, without even having to leave our valley. It is awesome that in my lifetime, we have developed the technology making this educational venture even an option. I am grateful for the opportunity, to say the least.”Become More Tech Savvy
Prepare to enter a workforce that will likely require you to have a basic understanding of technology. Online school is a great platform to start practicing your virtual communication skills.
Interested in culinary careers that require time outside the kitchen, like hospitality management, food photography or styling, or social media marketing? Knowing how to describe food and the process of making it, and how to take food photos — skills you may need and can learn while attending online culinary school — will greatly benefit you.
An Online Culinary Education
Between the current educational landscape, ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all the benefits of online learning, it’s clear that online education is here to stay. If you’re an aspiring culinarian or currently working in the industry and wanting to further your education, online culinary school might be a great place to start.
“The online program gives me the opportunity to be educated by great chefs that are already masters in their domain but in the comfort and familiar surroundings of my home. The combination of live session, recorded session, online forums and 1:1 time with the chef instructors enables me to learn and grow my skill set in a way that is tailored to my learning style and needs.”Scott Brooker, Escoffier Online Culinary Arts Graduate
Escoffier offers multiple online program options in culinary arts, pastry arts, plant-based cooking, and hospitality and restaurant operations management. Learn more about how an online degree or diploma can help take your career to the next level.
Read more about online culinary education with these articles:
- How Full-Time, Working Adults Can Succeed In Online Learning
- Yes, Online Culinary School Works. Here’s How.
- A Day in the Life of an Online Culinary Student
1Escoffier’s Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships. We are accredited by ACCET – A Partnership for Quality®. ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
