Life is a balance. Getting the balance right can be a challenge. Work, family, children and your own happiness all compete for your time and energy. However, we are in an information age, when doors are opening to us all. The internet offers us access to inspiration, ideas and resources. An individual at home alone can now reach out to networks of friends, professionals, support and personal development.
It will always be difficult to manage the perfect balance, but online learning offers a chance to educate and empower our futures on our terms. It opens up learning opportunities and content to people almost anywhere. There are a host of benefits waiting for those ready to take them.
Choice of subjects
The choice of subjects and information at your fingertips is astonishing. Whether you want to pursue a personal hobby or improve your business or language skills, there are numerous internet sites offering courses with almost endless options. For example, websites like Perfectly Spoken offer English courses across all levels from experienced teachers and Revision Village focuses on IB Maths. There are many such online companies like Udemy that offer a whole range of topics and courses alongside general sites covering multiple study areas offering you a wealth of choices whatever your interest or goals.
You choose where and when
You can choose where you learn and create an environment that is conducive and productive for you. Having to attend a class involves finding a fit with your schedule and then spending time getting there. Of course, with online learning you also decide when you learn, so you can fit it around any other commitments you have, or even just when you know you function best. This flexibility offers real convenience for those with a busy life. You can set up a dedicated area at home or even learn out and about on mobile devices.
Your pace
We all learn at different speeds and have different strengths and weaknesses. Online learning allows you to go at your own pace. It you don’t understand something or find a particular area more difficult, then you can take your time over it or re-do it. As you are in control, you can adapt the learning to suit your style. You can dedicate your time as you see fit to deliver a personalised learning experience. And if you wish for some interaction with fellow students there are often forums and online communities.
Affordable
There are a surprising number of free quality courses available on a host of subjects. Some companies see the benefits and virtues of offering cost-free education. The not-for-profit Khan Academy aims to provide a free quality education for anyone and anywhere in the world. Covering mathematics, science, humanities, economics and computer programming, nearly all their courses are free to students and teachers.
This is not to overlook the fact that online paid courses often offer great value too. Many more people can benefit from the insight of experienced and knowledgeable teachers and professionals for a highly affordable rate. There are different levels available for different budgets and the costs are typically substantially more affordable than a physical course.
Quality
As more providers of online learning come on the market, the quality of courses has also improved. Instructional videos, talks, podcasts, interactive programs and practice assignments are readily seen even on free courses. There is plenty of engaging learning and formats that are easy to take in.
Recognition and Qualifications
With online learning on the rise, the acceptance and recognition of qualifications gained from this process is growing. Potential employers also see the initiative being taken by enthusiastic learners. Being able to take tests and exams online also allows you to measure how well you are doing and will often give you instant feedback so you can monitor your progress as you go.
Learning for Life
There is no doubt that attending courses, colleges and universities in person is great and has a host of benefits that cannot be found elsewhere. However, online learning offers those with time, location, or financial limitations many possibilities that might not be open to them otherwise. It can help you progress your career, improve your language skills, learn about health, technology, design or indeed anything. Perhaps it can help you achieve a life goal. So, seize your chance and start learning!
Sumithra says
Totally agree to your point Lata. There is a lot of awareness created on Online learning these days and there is good recognition too. Sites like udemy is very useful and the content is well organised.
Anita Singh says
Ye to bahut useful hai, mere jaiso k liye kaafi accha hai, main English learing wala try kar sakti hu
Thanks for useful information
Richa gupta says
Yeah.. thats a very interesting.. cost effective.. time saving way of learning.