Students are neither a product nor a service themselves. Instead, students are the recipients or consumers of educational services.
In the context of education, the distinction between a product and a service is essential:
Product: A product is a tangible item that is manufactured, produced, or created for sale and consumption. It is something that can be touched, seen, or experienced physically. In the context of education, textbooks, learning materials, and educational technology (e.g., software, apps) can be considered products.
Service: A service, on the other hand, is intangible and refers to an activity, skill, or labor provided by one party to another. It is characterized by the exchange of expertise, knowledge, or assistance. In the case of education, teachers, tutors, professors, and educational institutions deliver services to students by imparting knowledge and facilitating learning experiences.
So, students are the recipients of educational services, and education itself involves a combination of products (e.g., learning materials, equipment) and services (e.g., teaching, mentoring, support) to facilitate their learning and growth.