Cengage Predicts What’s Ahead for Higher Ed in 2020

By Danielle Wirsansky

At the beginning of each year, resolutions are made and predictions are forecast. Cengage, the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, decided to share its predictions for the state of education for the year 2020, according to a recent press release.

These predictions were based on input and feedback from students and faculty across the country. A majority of those who shared their thoughts emphasized that making education affordable should become a higher priority.

“Navigating the future of higher education has become a complex puzzle. In 2020, I expect (and hope) we will see growing awareness of the college affordability crisis in the United States drive action – both in lowering the barriers to entry for students, but also supporting the whole student throughout their educational journey,” said Donna Sue M. Shellman, a Program Coordinator and Instructor at Gaston College.  “This includes focusing on adequate funding to attract and retain qualified faculty, providing resources for students that help them thrive inside and outside the classroom, and ultimately looking for new and innovative ways to rethink the traditional – and in many cases antiquated – approach to education.”

The broad trends that Cengage predicted were as follows:

1. Addressing the affordability crisis will be paramount to the future of education.
2. Accessibility will no longer be viewed as a nice-to-have, it’s a must have. All students need access to quality learning.
3. The promise of digital learning will continue to evolve to support workforce development around the world, appealing to the individual way in which each student learns best.

“My hope for 2020 is that the industry will make a concerted effort to really listen to students and focus on their needs so that education is more impactful,” said Michael E. Hansen, CEO at Cengage.  “All of us in education need to show we have the courage, willingness and financial ability to break the mold and innovate to improve the overall system for students.”

To share your own thoughts and predictions, shout out Cengage on Twitter at @CengageLearning using the hashtag #EdTech2020.