Technology makes it possible to take professional development or higher education courses from almost anywhere, at any time, and on demand. Online learning changed how students learn, interact and collaborate with professors. Today, learning platforms ranging from universities to specialized schools offer online courses in various subjects.
One of the primary reasons that online learning has given traditional education a run for the money is convenience. In short, anyone can take a course or even obtain a degree, such as an Online Master’s in Marketing, at any time. However, there’s a second reason why online learning is so popular.
Online programs offer learning at a lower cost than traditional brick-and-mortar schools, and, as we know, the sheen of higher education costs has diminished. Students hold billions in student loan debt, so they’re looking for opportunities for learning that won’t break their budgets while helping them advance in their careers.
With online programs, administrators are able to reduce operational costs as virtual classrooms don’t require any physical space or instructors. Students who take classes online generally save money on tuition without decreasing the quality of education they would receive from a traditional campus-based program. It’s no wonder that online learning grows at a rate of 11% annually.
How online learning works
As a result of technology, online learning has become much more common. But will it replace traditional education? The answer is perhaps in time. So, how does online learning work? Many ways exist to take classes online, from video conferencing in a virtual classroom to one-on-one video tutoring.
Most online courses have a virtual component, such as recorded lectures, online discussions or online quizzes. Some online courses are entirely virtual, with no in-person features at all. With the rise of massive open online courses (MOOCs), anyone can take a class taught by an expert at a university.
Some online courses are also self-directed. This means that students create their own schedules and timelines for completing assignments. However, online classes can also be structured, with specific due dates and expectations for when assignments are submitted.
The pros of online learning
Online learning has many benefits, including its flexibility, convenience, reduced costs and accessibility. Online courses allow students to finish their degrees faster than their on-campus peers. They can also study from anywhere, making it possible to work full-time and earn a degree simultaneously.
Furthermore, online learning platforms often provide helpful resources and tools, including virtual study groups and live tutoring sessions. So, connecting with other students and experts is easy. This encourages students to stay motivated when taking courses online. However, sometimes students struggle to keep up with the self-directed schedule of a self-paced program. As a result, being prepared and disciplined about the work is essential.
How to find the right online program
If you’d like to consider an online program, you will first want to research various online colleges and universities. You can use online tools, such as web and social media searches to get a general sense of which programs are available. You can also ask friends or colleagues for recommendations.
Make it a point to use resources such as online forums or review sites to connect with other students and get their insights. When selecting an online program, you want to ensure it’s accredited. Accreditation is a process by which a third party reviews and confirms that the institution meets specific standards. There are a few different accrediting bodies, but most reputable institutions will be accredited by at least one.
Ways to earn a degree through online courses
Online learning is a great way to earn a degree. It’s also a good option if you want to earn credits toward a degree or refine your career skills. Some online universities offer accelerated degree programs, which is an excellent option if you’re short on time. Many online courses are offered as online classes or MOOCs.
There are a few ways you can go about earning a degree through online courses. One option is to transfer credits to an online program from a campus-based program. Some schools allow online credits to be transferred. Another option is to earn a certificate in a field of interest and then apply that learning towards a degree program. You could also start with a certificate program and apply credits toward a bachelor’s degree. The choice is up to you and will depend on your educational goals and career aspirations. Earning a degree in a high-paying field is an excellent plan, but it may take longer than you expect, depending on how many credits you need.
Key takeaways
Online learning has come a long way in the past few decades. In recent years, it’s only accelerated. There are courses and classes available on almost any imaginable subject. Thanks to technology, students can take higher education courses from almost anywhere. Moreover, they can schedule learning around their work schedules. The convenience of online learning is one reason why it’s grown so quickly.
Online programs are more common because many are offered at a much lower cost than traditional brick-and-mortar schools. The reality is that you can’t beat the convenience, flexibility, fees and accessibility. For these reasons, traditional schools have significant competition. So much so that many now offer online learning because they know they must adapt to student needs and demands.
Online learning platforms proved to people that it’s not necessary to only learn in the classroom. Moreover, online learning provides the same level of quality education as a campus-based program while costing less and giving you more flexibility in scheduling. So, it’s no wonder it’s a popular way to learn and something that your friends, colleagues or family members do.
If you’d like to take your learning online, all it takes is a bit of research for the right program. As mentioned, choose a program that’s right for your educational goals and career aspirations. Not every program will meet your goals, but your research will lead you to one that does. Then, dive right in and work toward achieving your dreams through online learning.