The Best and Worst Things about Online Courses
The variety of courses available online allows you to pick a specific area of interest and start learning everything about it. There are so many courses now available online that you really can do anything you set your mind to.
Micro Courses – It’s all about the detail
The new buzz word in online learning is “micro course”. Micro courses really focus on a topic or area specifically and they “drill in” to skills and knowledge in an efficient format. This allows you to choose what you really want to learn and it leaves out unnecessary content.
Online Courses can suit a different type of learner
You may struggle to keep concentration in a classroom environment, but when you have the ability to learn at your own pace with online content in a digestible format, it can become easier. Often online courses suit different learning styles.
Get new Soft Skills
Just by completing an online course, you can demonstrate new soft skills and problem-solving skills. Completing an online course can also help you to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
Flexibility
The flexibility of studying in your own time is something that everybody dreams of. By studying online, you’re able to manage your work, education and social life in a way that suits you. Without deadlines or timetables to follow, you’re able to create a timetable that works for you while not having to give up the other aspects of your life that you enjoy.
Comfort & Lifestyle
The comfort of being able to study from home or your favourite coffee shop is a real luxury. This kind of convenience allows you to have more control over your course and your lifestyle.
Cost Efficient
Often studying online can be much cheaper than a face to face course. Without all the textbooks, commuting or other associated costs that come with studying on a campus, studying online can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Access & Support
We all like it when things are made easy for us, and this is exactly what online studying can do. The access of course material is at your fingertips. You don’t need to run around a college campus all you need to do is open your laptop and off you go.
Drawbacks of Online Courses
Self-Discipline & Maintaining Control
Being disciplined to set the time aside to study, when you can choose anytime you want is difficult. Often people struggle to do online study because its easy to make excuses. With no one forcing you to do your readings or assessments, you’ll have to organise your days efficiently so that you don’t fall behind.
Lack of Physical Connections
Sometimes e-learning can start to feel a little lonely. With barely any physical and verbal interaction, it can sometimes become difficult. This is way joining your online college forum is a good idea.
Less Motivation, More Procrastination
Do you get easily distracted on the Internet? With e-learning, everything is done online, which means you have to be on the ball and very focussed. You may be tempted to start scrolling down your Facebook feed to see what your friends are doing. The lack of motivation that can come from studying online can damage your education, so you have to make sure you’re committed and 100% focussed.
Interested in seeing what's available to study online? Check out the broad course variety that Online Courses AUS offers.
What are some things that you love and hate about studying online? Let us know in the comments!