The education landscape has rapidly changed over the past few decades.
Thirty years ago, if you wanted to further your knowledge and your career, you had to enrol in a college or university close to home and go in one or two days a week to carry out your course.
Although you could do your coursework and essays at home, you would have to travel onto campus to deliver them to your teacher. Online learning was just not an option back in the day.
Now, things are entirely different. There are a wide range of courses you can carry out from the comfort of your own home, or your workplace. According to Statista, nearly one in five 35 to 44-year olds in the UK are taking an online course at the moment!
Still not convinced? Here are ten reasons why we think online learning is the way forward, and why you should consider enrolling.
1. Online learning gives you flexibility
Online learning gives everyone the opportunity to learn online, no matter what their circumstances are. Best Colleges carried out a survey where they found that 59% of online learners have children and 50% are in full-time employment.
Enrolling on an online course not only gives you the flexibility to learn but means you can learn at your own pace. Whether you have a few hours in the evening when the kids are in bed or you want to stagger your learning around your working hours, the choice is yours.
2. Online learning offers you a wide range of different courses
In the past, if you wanted to learn a particular skill or gain a specific qualification, you were restricted to institutions in your local area. Alternatively, if you wanted to learn at an educational institution further away, the only choice was to move onto campus.
However, with the introduction of online learning you are no longer tied down. As long as you meet the entry requirements, you can study with not only UK-based institutions, but ones in other countries too! The sky is the limit!
3. Online learning is a cost-effective way for you to study
If you attend a university or college to learn you may have to pay for travel, food and potentially accommodation costs too. With online learning, your outlays are drastically reduced, making it easier and cheaper to learn. All you need is a computer and a headset!
Another bonus of learning online is that you can work full or part-time while you learn, meaning you can earn both money and a qualification at the same time.
4. Online learning provides you with a wide range of resources
In the past, if you went to a college or university to do a course, you would have to spend hundreds of pounds on course textbooks, making it an expensive option for learning.
However, with online learning the field has been opened up, with a wide range of resources, both free and low-cost, available on the internet. This can help you grow your knowledge even further, making you even more knowledgeable in your area of choice.
5. Online learning can be more engaging
If you are spending time and money on improving your career prospects, you want to get as much out of your course as possible.
Studies have shown that online students are more willing to participate in online discussions, and there is more interaction between students and teachers. Not only this, but the materials are more likely to be presented in an engaging way.
This means an online course will help keep you attentive and engaged in your learning.
6. Online learning makes achieving qualifications open to more people
Online learning levels the playing field for a lot of people, making education more accessible to all. For example, those with physical disabilities who would find it hard to attend a learning establishment may find it easier to learn online.
Neurodivergent people who feel uncomfortable in large groups of people can study online at a pace comfortable to them.
7. Online learning is better for the environment
We are all looking to reduce our carbon footprint to help the environment and reduce the risk of global warming. Learning online is a great way to do this.
Not travelling to an educational institution to study, as well as reducing the amount of paper used can not only help you save money but the environment too!
According to Open University, online courses produce 90% less energy and 85% less carbon dioxide than their offline counterparts.
8. Online learning makes it easier for you to study
If you are one of those people who finds studying challenging, then online learning can make it easier to learn and revise, as you can go at your own pace.
You may find it easier to approach your teacher with questions online, as well as join virtual study groups with your fellow students.
9. Online learning keeps your skillset relevant
Online learning can help you achieve a qualification to keep your career prospects relevant and on track, ensuring that the information you learn is as up to date as possible.
Even by using the technology required to facilitate online learning, you can become a lot more technologically savvy, which can help your career prospects.
10. Online learning is growing and evolving all of the time
The field of online learning is changing all the time, making it even more appealing to learners who want an alternative to learning at a college or university campus.
For example, some institutions are using automated intelligence in their courses, meaning that the course can be adapted to a delegate’s learning style, delivering a personalised learning experience.
If you would like to find out more about how online learning is the future of education, we’d love to help.
Contact us today if you have any questions.
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