When is online learning the best choice?

In the current climate, having access to nationally recognised qualifications which you can complete at home, is fantastic. At a click of a button, you can improve your CV and add an array of qualifications to your arsenal which could improve your employability odds.

However, is online learning the right choice for everyone? We investigate…

The benefits of online learning:

• Can complete the course at a time, pace and location of your choosing – you don’t have to keep to a set timetable with online courses. Instead, you can fit your studies around your work and social commitments, without having to attend a physical classroom. And this is great news if you’re a night owl or learn best independently, as you won’t have to restrict yourself to a set structure, but can study at times which best suit your personality.
• Achieve the same qualifications as those offered in colleges and universities – you will be taught the same syllabus, meaning university/college applicants won’t have an advantage over you during interviews.
• Costs can be split into digestible amounts – you can space out the cost of these courses, so you don’t have to worry about money.
• Less exams – many online courses don’t require examinations, which is perfect for those who hate exam conditions.
• Can take as long as you need to complete each class – instead of having only an hour to get your head around a subject before your teacher moves on, with distance learning you can determine when you’re ready to move onto the next class.

When is online learning not ideal:

• Practical experience – some courses require more hands-on, in person training i.e. beauticians, hair styling, dog grooming, etc. Now, while there are some online courses which only cover the theory of the subject, there are in fact many online courses which also offer practical training days within their syllabus. The key is to do your research and make sure you are on the right course.
• In person teaching – some of you may thrive better in a classroom setting, where you can get questions answered instantly. If this sounds like you, then you may find online learning is not the right path for you.

There is no disputing that online learning comes with many advantages. However, before you enrol onto any course, you should always do your research and make sure it is the right fit for you.

For more information on our breadth of online courses, visit our website.