Did you know that online learning is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and, in 2019, it was estimated over 6 million US students were enrolled in some form of online course?That doesn’t even take into account the many, many other people who have been doing online learning recently! With the recent emergence of Coronavirus and the need for social distancing, it’s predicted the trend in virtual or online schooling will only increase in the coming months and years.
Trying to be positive here; while online learning does have some limitations, it nonetheless offers considerable advantages compared to traditional, in-person education. So let’s look at these glass-half-full aspects to learning online.
Study when you want, where you want, for as long as you want
Unlike traditional learning methods, online courses are structured in downloadable chunk. You are able s to complete them at your own speed and in your own time. This allows students to juggle other life commitments around their study (such as current job, family responsibilities, social commitments and so on).
Also, because courses are designed in modules, you can pick up and put down study whenever suits. Even just doing a few minutes here and there through the day is possible.
Online learning also allows students to work at their own pace, rather than being forced along by a lecturer’s timetable. Better yet, you can study anywhere you have an internet connection. You can multitask on the way to work, during your lunch break, while traveling, etc. With today’s capable devices and vastly improved network speeds, study is possible almost anywhere; you can even get fast and reliable broadband internet in rural areas too! I’ve done 4 graduate level courses online and I have to say it is so convenient! I was a working mom at the time and was able to do the work at home whenever I had time. I even worked in the car while driving to a vacation spot using my phone as a hot spot!
There are a huge range of courses and qualifications available
Because online courses typically have a much lower operating cost, colleges can provide courses covering pretty much any vocation you can imagine. Doing a simple Google search under your subject of interest will present you with a vast range of options. You can study anything from anatomy and physiology at A&P online course, to simple reading and writing courses. Online courses are more often than not, self-paced to help you achieve your goals at your own leisure.
Moreover, it’s now possible to study up to full masters level online. Meaning, courses are no longer just limited to lower-grade qualifications. For example, courses offered by Merrimack College allow bachelor degree completion online, with no need for physical attendance at any stage. Learners simply enroll, study and graduate – all over the internet. It’s so nice for people who may live far from a college or university.
Completing an online course shows dedication and commitment
Completing an online course requires students to demonstrate far better time management skills than attending a real-world college. This is especially true if you study while still holding down a job. Having online courses on your resume will go a long way to showing prospective employers your sense of commitment and desire to progress and stay current in your career.
Online courses are cheaper – and sometimes free
The vastly reduced overhead achieved through designing courses with reusable content and materials allows colleges and education establishments to provide courses far cheaper than similar, real-world options. In fact, in some cases, courses are provided completely free of charge (for example MIT provides courses free of charge).
Moreover, typical operating costs like paying a lecturer and heating a classroom are completely nullified in a virtual environment. Also, students are expected to print their own supplemental study sheets, course notes and so on. This is affords another considerable savings to the course provider.
Studying online will improve your computer and communication skills
As you’ll study mostly on a laptop or desktop, your computer and typing skills will inevitably improve. And so will your adeptness at using various software packages. Online courses also advance your general communication skills, particularly through speaking to a wider range of fellow students from all over the world! Additionally, most courses feature a degree of collaborative work with other learners using email or other team-working software. As you use these packages more and more, your writing and formal communication skills will progress.
There are many reasons why you may prefer in-person learning, especially for younger students. Other people may benefit from developing a relationship with the teacher or professor or receiving help in-person. However, you can’t deny there are some positives about online learning!
