“Should I take my next course online or continue with my face-to-face classes?”
It is possible that you are considering enrolling in an online course, but maybe you don’t have much experience studying online, if any. It is normal to feel a bit apprehensive at the beginning, even if you have taken face-to-face classes all your life. As opposed to a face-to-face class, taking an online course definitely has its advantages. Here are five of them.
Career advancement and a hobby
You have more flexibility when you study online. Working and fitting your work schedule (and your hobbies) around your coursework is easier, particularly if you are taking an asynchronous class: an online course where you do not need to log in at a specific time for a live session, but can study and interact with your teacher and fellow peers at your own pace.
Schedule and environment that is flexible
Studying online lets you select your own learning environment that meets your needs: your bedroom, your study, the cafe across the street, or your local gym, listening to your teacher’s lecture podcast as you run. Isn’t that amazing?
Taking an online course also means that you do not have to commute to class, which means less time spent on the bus and more time studying on your couch, with the sound of the fireplace in the background. Driving in a snowstorm and missing an important class is no longer a concern!
Costs and debts are lower
If you study online, you will pay tuition, possibly book supplies, an online application fee, and perhaps a few other items. Housing and transportation costs are not incurred, which means lower debts and more savings.
Responsibility and self-discipline
Is being more self-disciplined a disadvantage? Online education does require more self-motivation and time-management skills, since you will spend a lot of time on your own without someone physically close to help keep you on track. Your online course will teach you more than geology or poetry: it will help you become self-motivated, a skill that will make you stand out in the workplace and beyond. It will look great on your resume.
Courses to choose from
When considering what to study, besides interest and career options, where to study is also a determining factor. Subject choices may be limited as a result. When you study online at your own pace, you don’t have to worry about class location when you choose what to learn next. With an online course, you can focus on the subject you are interested in and choose from a variety of courses and programs.
As a former online student, I know that there are many more benefits to learning online. What other advantages or reasons do you see for taking your next course online? Please share your thoughts below!
