E-learning in Cameroon: Opportunity or false good plan? 🎓

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With the rise of digital technology, online training is becoming increasingly common in Cameroon. Alternatives to traditional learning methods are emerging. These courses offer undeniable advantages while also raising some concerns. On the one hand, they facilitate access to practical skills and open up new professional opportunities. On the other hand, challenges such as lack of supervision, diploma recognition, and internet connectivity issues persist.

An easier access to knowledge 📚

Online learning platforms such as YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, and OpenClassrooms provide access to a variety of courses, particularly in IT, entrepreneurship, design, and languages. Moreover, these courses are often offered at much more affordable rates than in-person training. This model makes education more accessible to those who would not have been able to afford traditional training.

« I learned video editing on YouTube and was able to land small contracts just by watching videos and practicing. I would never have had the means to attend in-person training. It’s expensive, and I don’t have the resources for that. Neither does my family. To get a diploma, I take certifications with Google and AFD, » explains Kevin, a freelancer.

Furthermore, one key feature of online training is its ability to break geographical barriers. It is no longer necessary to travel to a big city to benefit from specialized courses. This has allowed some Cameroonians living in remote areas to access knowledge they would not have had in a traditional setting. Some Cameroonian schools are also beginning to offer distance learning, although this option remains limited in the country.

Notable obstacles🚫

However, despite its advantages, online learning has some shortcomings, particularly in terms of supervision. The absence of a physical structure and direct guidance from instructors makes learning more difficult for some individuals. The success of these courses mainly depends on the learner’s motivation and self-discipline. Discipline is sometimes lacking for those who need encouragement and support. As a result, some students drop out before completing their courses due to the lack of regular follow-up.

« I started a digital marketing course on Coursera to gain practical skills, but after a few weeks, I gave up. Learning alone requires real motivation. Especially when you’re not forced to wake up in the morning and get ready. There’s no pressure, and you can miss classes without any consequences, » confesses Sonia, a student.

Moreover, the recognition of certifications obtained online remains a major issue. Even though these courses provide valuable expertise, many employers still prefer degrees obtained from traditional institutions. This creates a gap between the skills acquired online and their validation in the job market.

« I presented a data science certificate obtained on Udemy during a job interview. The recruiter preferred a candidate from a local school. I know this because I took the contact details of the other candidates and inquired later, » says Rodrigue, a self-taught graduate.

Barriers to overcome 💸

Although some platforms offer free courses, others, particularly those that provide recognized certifications, require payment. Fees range from 30,000 to 100,000 FCFA for certification courses on sites like Coursera or Udemy. This represents a significant investment for many Cameroonians.

Additionally, internet connectivity remains a major constraint. While the connection quality is good in some major cities, it remains unstable in rural areas. This limits access to quality training for everyone. The cost of data is also a barrier for students who must juggle between buying internet credit and meeting their learning needs.

« Watching a two-hour tutorial consumes too much data. I always try to download when I have Wi-Fi. It’s usually easier, but as they say, everything has its downside, » says Hervé, a student.

A complement rather than a replacement 🛠️

Despite these obstacles, online training represents an opportunity to acquire practical and specialized skills in high-demand fields. However, it seems that these courses cannot fully replace traditional education. The ideal model would be a hybrid system combining the benefits of online training with local supervision and the recognition of certifications in the job market.

Thus, even though online learning is a significant advancement, efforts must be made to enhance supervision and facilitate certification recognition. This will allow Cameroon to take full advantage of the benefits offered by this digital education system.

What about you ??
Have you ever taken an online course? Was it useful for your career? Share your experience in the comments! ☺️