There is no doubt that online learning courses are becoming more and more popular. More and more people are choosing to take online courses rather than traditional, in-person courses.
There are a number of reasons for this trend. And in this article, you will read about the pros and cons of online learning courses.
Advantages Of Online Learning Courses
It’s obvious that it’s very beneficial to go through any course, online or otherwise. Tons of people are getting Lynda certificates in order to achieve professional growth and advance in their lives. There are many advantages of doing this online, and here are three of them.
1. Convenience
It’s well established that going through an accredited online learning program is more flexible than attending physical classes. You can learn at your convenience, without worrying about class schedules or traveling to and from school.
This is a big advantage for students who have other commitments such as work or family. It’s also beneficial for those who want to take courses outside their normal geographical location.
For example, if you’re interested in studying a language that isn’t offered in your area, you can easily find an online course that fits your schedule and needs.
2. Saving Time And Money
You’ll also save time and money. That’s because you can usually complete an online course in less than half the time it would take to complete a traditional, classroom-based course. And, since you don’t have to commute or relocate, you’ll save on gas, parking, and other transportation costs.
Plus, many employers are now willing to reimburse employees for taking courses that relate to their job. So, check with your employer before enrolling in an online course to see if they offer any type of tuition reimbursement program.
3. Making Connections
The online world is a great place to meet new people and make connections. You can connect with people from all over the world who share your interests. making connections is a great way to learn new things and expand your horizons.
There are many ways to make connections online. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are great places to start. You can also join forums and discussion groups related to your interests. making connections is a great way to meet new people and learn new things.
Making connections is a great way to learn new things and expand your horizons. So if you’re looking for the advantages of online learning, making connections is one of them.
Disadvantages Of Online Learning Courses
While they’re extremely beneficial, there are some downsides to online learning courses as well. Many believe that they’re not getting the full potential of what they’re studying when doing it this way, and find it even more difficult to handle their learning.
Here are some disadvantages of online learning courses…
1. Isolation
Socializing is very important to many people as it’s one of the main reasons why some students choose to attend a physical college rather than an online school.
When you’re taking classes online, you can’t just walk over to a friend’s dorm room and hang out or go get lunch together between classes.
You might be able to connect with other students in your virtual classroom, but it’s not the same as being able to see someone in person. isolation can be a big disadvantage of taking classes online.
There are ways to combat isolation when you’re taking classes online. Try to find an online student group that meets regularly, or look for opportunities to meet up with other students who are taking the same class as you in person if possible.
2. Increased Responsibility
When taking an online course, you’ll have a lot more responsibilities. These are the following:
- Finding study materials
- Staying organized
- Managing your time
- Staying on track
- Being self-motivated
All of these increased responsibilities can be quite challenging, especially if you’re not used to learning online.
It’s important to be aware of these increased responsibilities before taking an online course so that you can be prepared and set yourself up for success. With a little bit of planning and organization, you can definitely overcome any challenges that come your way.
3. Too Much Freedom
Procrastination is the thief of time. too much freedom can be a disadvantage of online learning courses if you’re the type of person who needs structure in order to stay on track.
Granted, there are ways to combat this by setting your own deadlines and goals, but it can be difficult to stay motivated without someone else holding you accountable.
For example, if you’re taking an online course to learn how to cook, it can be tempting to put off your lesson for another day (or week) if there’s no immediate consequence for not doing it.
Takeaway
Online courses are extremely beneficial as they allow you to learn on your own terms giving you convenience and flexibility. You’ll save time and money and make a lot of connections from all around the world.
However, this also means you’ll stay isolated from your peers and there are actually more responsibilities to assess in this situation. You’ll also have a lot of free time which makes a lot of people procrastinate. If you want to go through a course, think about these things before you commit.