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Looking ahead, industry leaders believe AI will play an even more prominent role by 2026. What experts have to say on the evolution of online learning over the past few years.
Experts believe that AI has the potential to democratize education by breaking down the barriers of geography, cost and speed of learning. (Getty Images)
Over the years, online education has evolved from a supplementary learning option to a central pillar of modern education. What once seemed like a temporary option during the pandemic has now become a preferred way of teaching, learning and upskilling due to the need for flexibility, quality content and the ability to learn without disrupting professional or personal life.
With structured curriculum, reliable assessments, and even degree-granting programs, today’s online platforms often rival, and in some cases surpass, traditional classroom experiences. A key catalyst behind this change is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), says Suresh Kalpathy, CEO, Veranda Learning.
He further said that AI has the potential to democratize education by breaking down the barriers of geography, cost and speed of learning, which will ultimately impact millions of people around the world. No longer a novelty, AI is fundamentally reshaping the way education is consumed, he said.
“AI is no longer a new trend, but it is revolutionizing how learners consume education. From personalized learning paths and adaptive tests to intelligent tutoring systems, AI is empowering platforms to adapt themselves as per each student’s learning skill set. This degree of personalization was unimaginable a decade ago and is today helping students reach outcomes more efficiently and confidently,” said Kalpathy.
digitalization of society
The roots of this shift can be traced to the pandemic, when campus closures made online learning necessary for continuity. Access and survival were prioritized at that stage. However, in the post-pandemic era, online learning has transformed from necessity to choice. Learners now expect relevance, flexibility, and tangible outcomes, expectations that well-designed digital programs are uniquely positioned to meet. The convenience experienced during the pandemic has firmly established online education as a benchmark for continuous skill development, says Arjun Nair, co-founder, Great Learning.
This pace is in line with the widespread digitalization of society, where the demand for new-age skills is continuously increasing. “This shift is also closely linked to the broader digitalization of society. As everyday life becomes increasingly digitalized through social media, online ride-hailing, instant commerce and cashless payments, the demand for new-age digital skills has intensified. Domains such as data science, cyber security and artificial intelligence are increasingly evolving away from the traditional, campus-only model. Online learning, with the ability to quickly update content and attract industry expertise, is particularly important for these areas. is appropriate,” Nair said.
The role of AI as we move forward
Looking ahead, industry leaders believe AI will play an even more prominent role by 2026. Suresh Kalpathy predicts more intuitive learning experiences powered by real-time performance tracking and precise coaching. He says micro-credentials and modular courses will gain prominence as professionals look for targeted, industry-aligned skills, while deeper collaboration between educational institutions and technology companies will ensure that courses remain future-ready.
Arjun Nair explains that there are three key trends expected to define education in 2026:
The first is to mainstream AI into the curriculum. Generative and agentic AI will no longer be distinct disciplines but will integrate fundamental capabilities across disciplines ranging from computer science and economics to physics and social sciences.
Second, there is deep automation across the education lifecycle, from content creation and delivery to assessment and grading, enabling quality education at scale without compromising affordability or continuity.
The third is a decisive shift towards interdisciplinary education, blending technology with business, humanities and social sciences to prepare learners for complex, real-world challenges.
On the same lines, Prof. Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, says that as we approach 2026, priorities will include advancing interdisciplinary education, promoting critical and creative thinking, and integrating sustainability, technology and responsible AI.
“As we move into 2026, priorities will focus on advancing interdisciplinary education, fostering critical and creative thinking, and incorporating sustainability, technology and responsible AI. The emphasis will be on integrating knowledge with real-world application, expanding experiential learning and empowering students to become future-ready leaders who can make meaningful contributions to society. Together, we look forward to a year that takes us towards the India of 2047 Will go,” Professor Mukherjee said.
December 23, 2025, 8:14 PM IST
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