It makes sense to use webinar platforms in a world this connected.
Webinars as academic tools
Doing so means that students can attend a lecture without having to be in the same location. Thanks to the webinar tools, they can also interact with the lecturer and each other.
Universities around the world moved learning online out of necessity and then kept a good deal of it there. It is worth looking at what they actually gain from holding webinars alongside in-person lectures.
Unlimited numbers of students
When a lecturer is addressing students in person, it’s difficult to engage with an exceptionally large audience. This changes during a webinar. The lecturer speaks into the camera and can reach as many students as possible in various locations. This helps to open up lectures and presentations to many more students. This is important if universities want to optimize student numbers as well as providing a high-quality student experience.
There is no restriction due to accommodation issues
Accommodation can also be an issue when lectures are being conducted in person. Some universities have limited lecture hall space, which limits the number of attendees. Using webinar software removes the need for limits to be imposed based on space.
There may still be practical reasons to cap the numbers. For instance, the lecturer may want to give more personal attention to those attending. However, this is due to personal choice and not physical restrictions.
Students can attend from various geographical locations
The value of distance learning was recognised well before 2020, and the years since have raised its profile beyond anything it had before. Using webinars to host classes and lectures means that universities can reach students across the world. This means that they can provide better distance learning opportunities for students.
Providing access to this type of digital experience is also financially advantageous for universities. This is because it allows them to reach a wider prospective student base. This in turn raises the income that a university can achieve.
Teachers can record lectures and make them available to view online
You can get several advantages from recording lectures. With this in mind, a webinar platform like MyOwnConference lets universities record their sessions. This means that they can make the most of the potential benefits.
These benefits include securing a wider audience for classes and lectures as students can watch the recording if they are unable to attend the live event. The university can also benefit by using certain lectures as an advertising tool, to attract more students. A further benefit is that students have access to the content whenever they choose to watch it, even in the middle of the night.
Opening certain webinars to pay per view can create valuable income
In some cases, universities may choose to monetize the webinars they produce. They can do this by making some content available to non-students on a pay-per-view basis. Some content is likely to be particularly attractive to an external audience, such as business practices or financial advice.
In some instances, universities might opt to host webinars that aren’t part of the official syllabus but are still beneficial to students and a broader audience. For example, these could cover topics like career guidance or tips for living away from home for the first time. This type of content not only serves as a valuable resource for students but also has the potential to generate external revenue.
Summary of webinars in higher education
Millions of students across the world now learn remotely, and universities have had to find new ways of reaching them. Hosting a webinar is an excellent way for a university to reach students who cannot attend classes or lectures in person. There is no restriction on class size and the experience can still be interactive due to features such as screen sharing and chat.
The benefits are substantial enough that webinars have stayed on well past the circumstances that forced them, largely because students value the flexibility. The next generation will be looking for universities that offer it.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of webinars for universities in terms of student numbers?
The main advantage is that webinars remove physical space limits so a lecturer can reach an unlimited number of students from many locations without the restrictions of a large lecture hall.
How do webinars help universities overcome accommodation issues for lectures?
Webinars help because the university does not rely on having large halls or classrooms for students to attend, thus accommodation constraints disappear and attendance is not limited by room size.
Why are webinars beneficial for reaching students in different geographical locations?
Because webinars allow students from all over the world to join remotely, universities can expand their reach, accommodate distance learning and attract a wider prospective student base.
What value does recording webinars add for universities and students?
Recording webinars gives students flexibility to watch later if they missed the live event and allows the university to reuse the content for advertising or as a resource library, thereby increasing the value of the lectures.
Can webinars generate additional income for universities and in what way?
Yes, universities can monetise certain webinars via pay-per-view for non-students such as career guidance or specialised advice, thereby creating a new revenue stream from external audiences.
