Advantages of Online Learning

The article covers the major advantages of online Learning, along with examples of available programs from platforms like Coursera and edX.

Let’s put it like this – The concept of traditional education has changed radically in the past few years, and you now have options galore if you wish to get certified or just brush up on your existing skills, thanks to e-learning! The EdTech industry is expected to reach $350 Billion by 2025. There has been a surge in the usage of virtual learning, video conferencing tools, and various types of online learning software. This situation has resulted in tremendous crisis-response migration of universities to online learning as the major educational medium. Online learning is a more sustainable and comprehensive solution, giving access to education independent of state and country boundaries. This article discusses the advantages of online learning with some top online learning platform examples.

Is Online Learning Effective?

If you still have this question in mind, then consider the following- 

• 56% of companies are retooling their training programs
• 62% of businesses affected by COVID-19 are spending more on training 
• There has been a 16% increase in virtual learning  
• Collaborating online could prepare students with the skills necessary for modern careers
• A growing category of jobs will require employees to work in geographically dispersed virtual teams
• Learn from the best and most experienced faculties from the Ivy League institutes and renowned global universities 

Online education is more flexible, dynamic, and simple while being creative and involving critical thinking and participation. Let’s explore some of the many advantages of e-Learning.

Advantages of Online Learning

Below are some of the advantages online learning offers –

Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of e-learning is its flexibility in terms of time/hours of learning. Students can access the class content anytime, anywhere, and connect to the widest network of teachers, students, and alumni without being restricted by geographical boundaries. 

Certain platforms like Coursera and edX have courses with case studies and extensive projects, which help you improve your understanding of the topic and explore different aspects.

This screenshot from Coursera shows different program types, skills listed under them, and the type of programs they offer category-wise. 

 

 

You can also enroll in guided projects of your choice. The university faculties create these projects, and they largely cover a topic, while giving you hands-on experience working on it.

 

 

The defined structure of these programs perfectly complements the flexibility offered by the virtual nature of the courses. This is a great opportunity to set your own times and develop a work order, self-discipline, and perseverance.

Freedom to Review the Classes

You can also record, archive, and share online lectures for future reference, a good option to use reference material whenever you feel like it. You can carefully examine each aspect of the lesson and repeat it patiently to understand every detail. These short (and usually interactive) modules offer a faster and more efficient way to find what you need. They help you divide the knowledge into blocks to make it more manageable and memorizable.

Improve Your Digital Skills

Online education allows you to take charge of your training and select the time, place, and amount of training you undertake. You can adapt and master the digital field, improving your confidence and productivity. As you continue to learn and work in the digital world, you will regularly handle online tools, drop boxes for submitting project work, collaborative tools, take-up virtual exams, and much more. Concepts like Drive, Trello, Dropbox, and GDocs will seem normal.  

Wide Range of Programs and Courses

You can choose courses from Music to Machine Learning and Healthcare to Cloud Computing depending on your choice or professional requirements. Several universities now offer online graduate and postgraduate degree programs across various online platforms.

Take this example from edX on the wide range of catalogs catering to professionals from different categories. You can sort the courses by category and then sort them as per your university of interest.

 

 

Online Learning Promotes Responsibility and Autonomy

The online education methodology requires a high level of discipline, commitment, responsibility, and dedication, which is highly valued in the labor market and life. You would be asked to participate and share your inputs when shaping discussion requirements, explore your areas of improvement without the fear of being judged, and strengthen this life skill for present and future success.

Reduced Costs

Online courses are more affordable than classroom or full-time courses as they save on many administrative costs; otherwise, they are a big investment in classroom courses. Moreover, online classes do not require you to take a sabbatical or leave your job. These classes can be pursued along with your job or any other full-time certification you are already pursuing; all it needs is some dedicated time, whatever time of the day.

Comfort and Convenience

Online courses offer the convenience and comfort of home, with no hassle of commuting long distances. Course material is always accessible online, without special trips to a library. Online learning is a good option for all struggling to balance work and family commitments.

Online Learning – The Most Preferred Choice!

Students and working professionals increasingly opt for convenience, comfort, and flexibility while ensuring they keep moving up their careers through knowledge enhancement and newer certifications. Adding a new skill or certificate to the resume is not just the craze but also the need of the hour!

Innumerable vendors offer these courses with certificates widely accepted and recognized by employers worldwide, the major advantages of e-Learning! So go ahead, give your career the wings to fly, scale new heights, and explore newer terrains by taking online courses.

Some Recommendations for Taking Online Classes –

• Research and understand the category or area in which you want to train.
• Find out the teaching methodology of the platform.
• Explore the course deliverables and how they will help you grow professionally.
• Research the profile of the teachers. 
• Decide if you want to access the course material or want a certificate; pick the relevant one.
• If you have additional questions, look for the “frequently asked questions” section on the course platform.

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