EDUCATION-TO-GO IN THE FUTURE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?

"Many typically good paying jobs have not yet recovered to the pre-pandemic level in many countries. On the other hand, due to the use of many digital technologies to order, store and deliver goods during the pandemic, many professionals were and are still needed for creating computer applications, data management and in analytics (aside from blue collar workers needed in call centers, warehouses, and delivery services). However, not many people are qualified because there were not many careers created in those fields mainly in developing countries. Despite that, the current demand for this type of talent is high. Therefore, many higher education institutions and small colleges may take the opportunity and offer the essentials of basic higher education and training needed for some of those jobs. Some younger individuals might not want to go back and be confined in a classical classroom after having tasted the “freedom of virtual education” which could even be accessed through a cell phone anywhere and at any time. This could be the beginning of Education-To-Go schools all around the world but mainly in underdeveloped countries, an education which would be affordable, quick, and very specific and aiming to certify some professional skills. This education would be tailored to fit the needs for the vacancies that are urged for the market to fill. Mainly the schools which would prepare those young adults could hire fewer teachers who would prepare or assemble the course materials and make them available on the school websites. This practice on the other hand will contribute to the “uberization of education” and drastically change the number of teacher-to-student ratios. In this paper the possibility of Education-To-Go in Mexico is analyzed considering the economic sectors which could possibly grow in the coming years matching them with the competencies needed. The analysis is carried out using quality control tools such as Ishikawa and Pareto Diagrams. There are scenarios in which it is a possibility, and the country could even export some of the trained people, mainly to the United States. Specialization through the teaching of specific competencies could be possible in some countries like Mexico in the post-pandemic era."