Online learning has surged in popularity not only because of our Covid-19-driven preference to stay home but also because this form of education offers flexibility and convenience. But it’s not for everyone. It requires the right blend of characteristics, including self-discipline and motivation.
Rather than attending live class sessions, online learning enables you to access course materials and complete assignments at your own pace, when it suits your schedule and learning style. You log in at home, in your office, or on the go — wherever you have access to a computer and the internet. This means you can take courses from anywhere in the world.
One of the best parts about online learning is the opportunity to participate in discussions with fellow students. Your classmates will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspectives to the table, helping you to expand your understanding of the topics you are studying. You can often learn as much, if not more, from your classmates than you do from your instructors.
Whether you’re taking just a few classes or earning a degree, you can earn a wide range of academic credentials through virtual learning — from learning certificates and professional certifications to master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. This remote style of learning is even well-established in the workplace, with many pharmaceutical and fintech companies, to name just two examples, relying on module-based online training as core training for their employees. This type of remote learning is an excellent way to get a jump-start on a career in an increasingly tech-driven economy, or to re-educate yourself for an entirely new field.