Online learning is now more popular than ever before. However, much of this demand was initially born out of necessity only.
For example, online learning is often mentioned as a contingency plan for those in academia rather than a viable method of further study in its own right. The truth is that a diversified approach to learning is best, with technology mixed in with real-world efforts, which should
By the way: The same is true for other areas of life, too, such as banking and business.
For many of you, this is old news. Online certificate courses are increasingly worthy of an up-and-coming professional or fledgling academic’s time, coronavirus lockdowns or not. So the following reasons why online learning should be part of your present and future’s educational mix might seem obvious, but they bear repeating in a post-lockdown world.
№1. Connect with leading thinkers
Some online training can be uninspired. The content can be somewhat generic, thrown together by an employee who has mostly Googled what to feature.
But the number of online courses created with great care, providing original content that expert industry figures have meticulously refined only continues to grow. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), in collaboration with GetSmarter, offers top-notch qualification courses for tomorrow’s global leaders. Aspirations are set high, and with good reason. They enable learners to join a diverse and successful community that fosters leadership and critical-thinking skills throughout their offering.
Institutions like LSE, renowned for having some of the most experienced faculty in each area it teaches, are bringing their vast wealth of knowledge and course quality to growing audiences beyond the City.
It’s not just content that matters when learning. Its delivery is just as important, and if inspirational minds are leading the proceedings, professionals and academics will feel reinvigorated. They may engage with the content more enthusiastically and ultimately get more out of the experience.
№2. Tailored interests
Many people in work and education face “downsides” to their learning. There’s always an element of compromise at play, and unfortunately this means the best face-to-face experiences are not available for everyone, let alone in a convenient way. Before the pandemic, we all took for granted that education would be likely uninteresting and it would force students into a cat and mouse game, where tricks would rule over demonstrable learning and skills achieved.
You may still take for granted that online learning is dull. But the reality is that top online course providers are offering a sprawling array of fascinating subjects to delight users. The swath of content to satisfy even the most inquisitive minds only continues to grow in volume, wealth and depth.
Even more so: Online learning is challenging many people’s ideas about boring subjects. Interactive labs, snappier visualizati ons and a range of teaching personalities are countering ideas about topics and activities as things that must be tolerated, even in training.
Workers are still thought to be disinterested in workplace learning, which only means any opportunity to to promote better, more inspired content should be seized immediately. If there’s one thing those learning experiences are doing better overall, is personalization. They often start by focusing on personal and professional interests liberally, so they can engage with concepts and ideas that make them hungry for more information. These make online certificates more personally relevant and rewarding, making them a springboard into ongoing learning opportunities.
№3. A time friendly pursuit
The idea of chasing one’s dream is often associated with sacrifice. However, an online certificate course does not require users to give up a career, a degree, or even a personal relationship to achieve remarkable things.
To be clear: It’s not about reducing challenges, but making them more universally accessible.
The time needed to complete an online certificate course will often be no more than a couple of months, with a manageable number of hours of learning per week, with live, self-paced moments or a mix involved. Even the busiest professionals and academics can find the time to make things work here. They should be able to attend to all their existing commitments and schedule in smaller but productive windows of further learning.
Training and career advancement can often be a source of stress for workers. However, a relaxed learning environment is possible. Everything can fall neatly into place for an online certificate course. Levels of commitment and focus can always improve with experimentation, therefore enabling each learner to have a more personally enriching experience.
Rates of stress and anxiety have been climbing amongst workers in recent years. This is a call for more online learning, not less. To have a time-friendly way to advance their skillset, and ultimately their careers, may just help them feel steady and rediscover their love for what they do. It is an opportunity to slow down while moving forward.
№4. Minimal location considerations
So long as learners have a stable internet connection, they can enjoy the perks of online courses almost anywhere in the world. Once again, this enables them to schedule their learning alongside any type of lifestyle they’re leading.
A good education is often found in an expensive town or city. After all, learning drives the enrichment of culture and is a point of national pride for the countries providing these opportunities. Sadly, not everybody can afford the cost of living in such places, which is one contributing factor that may prohibit them from a top tier education.
Dodging these stressful factors will provide a huge boon to learner’s and professional’s personal well-being. They can devote themselves to their studies remotely instead of having financial and logistical factors threatening to overwhelm them at every turn.
Cutting out travel and commute costs can save time and stress too. Remote working is, after all, a key point in the “Great Resignation” debate. While many professionals used to attend a night school at the end of a full working day, it can be enormously taxing on their energy levels and spirits. An online course allows them to avoid many unfortunate circumstances and learn at a time that is optimal for their preferences and productivity.
№5. Easy to recommend and account for
Learning is an exchange of knowledge. It should be passed around freely, with as few restrictions as possible.
Online learning opens up opportunities for everyone. People’s paths in life vary, and late bloomers, in particular, should have the opportunity to develop their talents and optimize their potential.
Moreover, those who have found success with online courses can recommend them to peers and colleagues in a carefree fashion. Workers and learners can invest in one another’s development, show interest in each other’s skills, and find common ground throughout the learning journey.
BONUS: Continuous update, delivery and integration
Much of the content learned in the real world can be dated incredibly quickly. Obviously, professionals and academics can’t thrive with obsolete information unless they’re studying matters around history or law.
Online courses are constantly revised and updated to align with modern standards. If new laws are brought into effect that will influence the content or its delivery, revisions will surely be made. Therefore, users can be content that they are always revising the most accurate and up to date information available.
Learning never has a final destination, and the providers of online courses understand that fully. Fresh and exciting aspirations can constantly be reached for under these measures.
Online learning provides a rich range of dynamic learning opportunities for professionals and academics alike and should be valued long into the future.
