Uncovering the advantages of online learning

The Modern World of Online Learning

We live in a very fast world and it is becoming more and more difficult to keep up or be competitive in the workplace. Technology has become par for the course in this ever changing world of ours and so it is becoming increasingly important for students to be exposed to it at a young age. Technology has the power to transform education and how we receive information and as such it is so important to incorporate this technology into the learning process.

Is Online Learning effective?

I work on the customer support side at Advantage Learn and I get asked these questions a lot!
Is your online course as good as your in-person course?
Is your online course as good as face to face learning?
I’m not sure if online learning is right for my child?
Is your online course as effective as being in front of a teacher?
Do you think my child will manage an online course?
What if my child needs to ask questions about the content?
Will my child get as much out of an online course as he/she would if they came to class?
How popular are your online courses?
And the list goes on…

My own son has just completed the NBT Preparation course with Advantage Learn and he really enjoyed it. He is a quiet, reserved child who prefers to learn on his own and this course was perfect for him as he was able to fit it in and around his other school subjects as well as other activities. Doing this course online gave him the flexibility he needed – he was able to work on the material in his own time and at his own pace. I really believe in his case, that online learning is the way to go as long as the courses are structured well of course and the content is good! My son is not a rule follower or traditionalist so this method of studying was right up his alley! We await his NBT results with great anticipation…! In the meantime he is working through our online Past Papers course in preparation for his final maths examinations. He is enjoying watching the videos of Trish actually going through the memos from recent past papers

There are several advantages to online learning!

Here are just some of them:

1. Variety of programs and courses: No matter what students today want to study, they can find the courses or degree programs they need online.
2. Costs are lower: Online courses can be a more affordable option than traditional colleges and tertiary institutions. Not all online degrees may be less expensive but the associated costs are eg commuting costs or course materials (in the form of textbooks) which are usually available online for free or as part of your course materials.
3. More comfortable learning environment: There are no physical class sessions so you can learn all day in a comfy chair at home in your pajamas! Lectures and other materials are sent to you electronically so no fighting the traffic, finding parking spaces, leaving work early to go to class or missing important family time.
4. Convenience and flexibility: You can learn in your own time and at your own pace. You are able to plan your study time around the rest of your activities in a day and you can work when you feel you have the most energy to work. You can balance part time work and family commitments around your study schedule.
5. More interaction and a greater ability to concentrate: If you are a shy student or someone who finds it difficult to participate in class discussions, online learning may be more suitable for you. Some students prefer the online learning environment as they find it easier to concentrate and are not distracted by other students and classroom activity.
6. Career advancement: Students can take online courses and even finish complete degrees while working, while in between jobs or while taking time to raise a family.
7. Continue in your profession: There is no need to leave your current job if you decide to follow an online degree program.
8. Avoid commuting: No more missing class time due to cancelled lectures, and the fuel costs are tremendous!
9. Improve your technical skills: Even the most basic online course requires the development of new computer skills as students learn to navigate different learning management systems and programs. The skills students learn, to participate in their online courses translate to many professions, including creating and sharing documents, incorporating audio/video materials into your assignments, completing online training sessions etc
10. Ease of accessibility: Course material can be accessible for students when they need it. Students can review lectures, discussions, explanations and comments. They can also share notes with each other to help facilitate community learning via online forums.
11. Enough time to absorb materials: Online learning allows the student to learn at their own pace and they may achieve significantly higher results because of this as they may have more time to absorb the material compared to traditional face to face teaching.
12. Personal Growth: Students learning online are able to become thinkers/learners/risk takers in a sheltered environment.
13. Become Independent: Online learners are accountable to themselves only.
14. Education becomes available to all: Students are able to study whatever they wish no matter where they live.

These are just a few of the many advantages of taking online classes. Students in online learning programs are able to manage their time, learn the materials that are presented at their own pace, and complete and submit assignments in their own time.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
-Nelson Mandela

Advantage Learn’s definition of online learning:

“As society has developed and advanced, so too have methods of delivering educational content. Online learning facilitates the transfer of knowledge through the use of electronic technology and media. The power of online learning lies in its ability to deliver innovative content while reaching a wide learner audience at a time and place convenient to them.”

Photo: \/ by Thomas Leuthard is licensed under CC BY 2.0  Edited from original