The e-learning market is expected to grow consistently over the next four years, driven by the emergence of m-learning and evolving learning styles.

According to Research and Markets, the global self-paced e-learning market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.79% over the period 2015-2019.

The report highlights m-learning as a major trend driving the market.

Mobile devices are common today, with almost everyone having access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Furthermore, mobile devices are becoming more commonplace in the classroom as initiatives such as BYOD programmes and virtual reality classrooms are launched.

As a result of this, mobile device manufacturers are grabbing the opportunity to develop online learning content that can be accessed through mobile devices, says Research and Markets.

According to the report, driving uptake of mlearning products and services is the flexibility it providers to the learner when it comes to accessing the information, completing the course, and asking for help.

End-users, whether they are students, teachers, or institutions, have the flexibility to choose their courses and can access them anytime, anywhere.

Furthermore, the report states that one of the major challenges in the market is the increasing threat from MOOCs (Massive Online Open Course).

These open source solutions for education are penetrating the market rapidly. The report says the easy access and wide variety of courses available are two key reasons for their popularity.

Key vendors in the global self-paced e-learning market include Adobe Systems, Scholastic and Educomp Solutions.

Other prominent vendors include Articulate, Cisco Systems, Intel and Saba Software.

To calculate the market size, the report considered revenue generated through the sales of self-paced e-learning courses and related services for a fee or subscription to the individual learners.