The advent of online education has been a disruptive force in higher education. Beginning almost 20 years ago with a few initiatives and institutions, online education has come to dominate not only international discussions about the role of higher education, but has captured the imaginations of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and educational innovators.

Online education has done only played a prominent role in the development of Westford. Although based in the Middle East, Westford University College has been able to lever the technologies of online education to reach students and instructors around the globe, bring them together in a virtual learning space where they can share a common learning experience in the pursuit of professional certifications and degree programs. Westford’s learning platform enables working professionals attain accredited MBA & BA (Hons) degrees that further their careers regardless of where they live or where they work. Learners who would normally have to take a leave of absence from their jobs (and families) to take classes now can integrate their studies with their lives and careers in a seamless experience encompassed by a virtual learning environment. Moreover, professors and teaching staff are not limited by geographical locations: Westford is able to bring the best and brightest to our learners no matter where they are. Our instructors come from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa and Asia: from literally all over the globe. They do not have to move to the UAE campus to reach and teach our learners.

And not only has online education helped Westford bring global learners together with global professors, but Westford is contributing to innovative approaches to online education itself. Coming this April, Westford will unveil a radically new approach to online delivery that not only enhances the experience of the learner but reduces the overall cost of higher and post-secondary education that significantly increases accessibility for those who have been previously unable to afford it. Without sacrificing quality and at the same time improving the efficiency of online learning, Westford will offer affordable education for everyone, a value we believe is a basic human right. Westford MBA’s are considered to be the most popular and recommended business degree program in the Middle East and African region among the working professionals and the industry.

Affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity: higher education for everyone. Those are Westford values and Westford’s disruptive contribution to next-gen online education. I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative and you will be too. Stay tuned to these developments as we celebrate our 10  year anniversary this Spring.

Dr. William Painter

Dean, Westford Education Group