During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has gained more popularity, and many people have transitioned to learning and working from home. However, after spending some time learning and working from the comfort of our homes, many students and remote workers have realised that online learning has both advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re thinking about taking online courses, there are a few things you should know before applying. In this article, we’re going to talk about the pros and cons of online learning and help you determine whether this learning opportunity is the best option for you.
A flexible schedule
Waking up early in the morning and trying to get ready before you head off to class is one of the worst feelings in the world. So, if you’re not a morning person, online learning offers a flexible schedule and allows you to elevate your skills and stay up-to-date with learning whenever you have time for these activities. Taking classes at the time that suits you is a great way to manage your schedule like a pro and find time for other activities.
A flexible schedule is one of the main reasons why people nowadays prefer taking online classes. In addition, online learning allows you to get a better education while working a full-time job, which is why you shouldn’t miss this opportunity.
No social interaction
One thing’s for sure— the pandemic has taught us that interaction with other people can drastically improve our wellbeing. When taking online classes, it’s easy to communicate with your teachers and peers via chat, but that’s not the same as learning together in person. Social interaction is as important as learning. Therefore, learning from the comfort of your home can be demotivating and sometimes draining, especially if you’re a social butterfly who loves to interact with new people all the time.
However, if you have a full-time job but want to study remotely, it’s safe to assume you won’t miss traditional learning at all. Interaction with your peers at work will be more than enough to fulfil your social needs.
Limited scholarship options
One of the biggest differences between online and traditional learning lies in the scope of finances. Although you can enrol in some online courses for a low price, in most cases, if you want to get a degree, you will have to pay the full price for your university diploma.
Limited scholarship options are one of the main reasons people give up on online learning. Online learning indeed offers a variety of benefits, but there’s a greater chance you’ll get a scholarship if you choose the other option.
No commuting
Another great benefit of online learning is that you don’t have to waste your precious time commuting every day. Although some prefer to go for a walk before class, taking classes online allows you to choose whether you want to be active before the classes begin.
More importantly, people who don’t live near the university won’t have to spend money on transportation. So, not only will you be able to save time, but you’ll also have some extra pocket money for minor expenses.
Plenty of learning materials
In today’s world, you can learn about pretty much anything online. So whether you want to learn how to bake or build a website from scratch, you’ll always be able to find e-learning resources that will help you elevate your skills. More importantly, you can enrol in multiple online courses simultaneously and even land a new job after you complete an online learning/training course.
In addition, once you find an interactive learning management system for RTOs, you’ll be able to track your progress, access your courses through multiple devices in your household, develop practical skills, and get to enjoy plenty of free learning materials.
The scope of subjects is limited
We mentioned earlier that you could learn a variety of new things online. However, some courses you’ll never be able to take online. For example, if you want to become a surgeon or an esthetician, it would be impossible to learn how to perform operations from the comfort of your home. With that being said, be sure to determine your options before enrolling in an online course.
Conclusion
An ongoing search for knowledge can enrich your life in many ways. If you’re ready to expand your knowledge base and elevate your skills, be sure to find an online learning platform that allows you to track your progress and learn the essential skills you’ll need in the future.
If you aren’t convinced that online learning is a great opportunity, may the global pandemic be a reminder that you can achieve great things from the comfort of your home. Although e-learning has some disadvantages, it’s worth giving it a try because it can help you find a good balance between study, work and home responsibilities.