In 2019, Research and Markets forecasted that the online education market will reach $230 billion by 2025, and given the impact of COVID-19, it’s likely that online learning will see even greater growth than previously expected.
Below we address some of the advantages to online learning and highlight the highly desirable skills you can gain by investing in online education.
8 Benefits and Advantages of Online Learning
From saving you time and money to helping you learn new skills, online learning has significant benefits, particularly for busy professionals.
the benefits of online learning!
1. No need to relocate or commute
One of the main benefits of online learning is that it can be done from anywhere. Individuals with families or who want to keep their current jobs can choose the program that best meets their needs without having to compromise. With online learning you won’t have to pass on your ideal program because you can’t relocate or afford time to a lengthy commute.
2. Lower tuition costs
It’s no secret that higher education can be expensive. The average college debt among student loan borrowers in the U.S. is $32,731, and more than 600,000 borrowers have over $200,00 in student debt. Online education, which is often far less expensive as it requires less resources, allows more people to access the education they need to meet their personal and professional goals. Plus, since you won’t have to commute, you can also save money on gas (the average person spends $1,300 on gas each year!).
Depending on your financial position, these savings may even make it possible to contribute to a savings account, go on a well-deserved vacation, or even take a course, such as a photography or cooking class, for pleasure.
3. Work-life balance
Online learning gives you more control of your schedule, making it easier to achieve work-life balance. Whether you’re looking to maintain an active social life, have additional time for self- care, or balance the needs of your family, online learning can make it possible to go to school and find time for other crucial aspects of your life. Education and professional development are certainly important, but your personal life can also be a priority.
4. New technical skills
Online learning has become an increasingly popular format for professionals looking to develop new skills and advance their careers.
As more companies, such as Twitter and Facebook, announce that their employees can work from home indefinitely, it’s possible that remote work may become the new normal. Since online learning requires you to utilize technology, it can help familiarize you with the technology you’ll need to succeed working from home.
5. Improved communication
Online learning creates new ways to interact, participate, and communicate with your fellow students and instructors. You can communicate by chatting a question during a live session, using a discussion board, setting up private meetings, or even forming an online study group. Learning new ways to communicate effectively is important as communication is one of the most sought after skills in the workplace.
6. Better time-management skills
In any profession having excellent time-management skills can help you stand out and ultimately succeed. Since online learning programs often allow you to create your own schedule, you will be forced into learning to plan ahead and budget enough time to complete tasks. Find a method that works well for you, such as keeping a to-do list or using a project management application.
7. Enhanced self-motivation and self-discipline
Sticking to a schedule so that you keep up with your coursework will require you to have self- motivation and self-discipline. Completing an online program will not only help you improve these skills, but can also help you demonstrate that you are a productive, motivated, and disciplined individual to employers.
8. Additional networking opportunities
When you study online you’ll likely meet a more diverse group of individuals. Meeting people from different backgrounds can help you expand your horizons as well as find new networking opportunities.
If your remote team is looking to enhance their ability to communicate effectively, navigate conflict more successfully, and to become more productive, check out our online professional development workshops.
