In today's increasingly connected world, distance education enabled by e-learning is at the forefront of university participation. Anyone thinking of getting back to learning in today's time has myriad choices. The first choice, however, to be made by a student is between an online program and on-campus program. If you are one such student planning to get back to studies, you might just assume that learning in a traditional classroom setting is always more fun and engaging as compared to online learning. There are, however, many limitations that come with this conventional structure of learning. It might not be feasible for you to attend classes at a certain time every week when there are added demands of job and family in your life.
And that is exactly where the role of online education comes into play. The limitations posed by a traditional method of learning are encouraging more and more students to opt for online learning programs. Because the classroom learning requires that students must be physically present, it implies that students must leave everything else to pursue further education. Be it a job or be it one's family, everything has to be left behind. This is something that is certainly not called for especially in today's world where almost everything can be done with the click of a button.
Online Education and the Advent of Technology
Not only there are abundant choices available for the courses and programs but also there is a lot of flexibility offered to online learners. The students get the freedom to pursue their studies at their own pace and time. Another reason for which online learning has transformed the system of education in the modern world is the location independence that it is offered by it. The students are no longer required to leave everything and pack their bags in order to relocate to their study destination.
The internet and technology have indeed made it possible for students to continue their education in any part of the world without any geographical constraints being imposed. Thus, online learning fits into the busy lives of students, thereby, making it easier for them to continue their further education. Furthermore, the students are no longer required to accumulate a lot of money or sacrifice their dream of acquiring a world-class education just because of shortage of funds. This is because online education is easily affordable and can easily meet the demands and needs of every student.
Student Inhibitions
1. Concerns regarding the System in Place
The students planning to enroll themselves in any of the online programs tend to feel that they might just feel isolated as a student. This is, however, far from being truth. It is because universities and institutions offering online programs usually have their student communities to make it possible for students enrolled with them to interact with faculty, fellow students and alumni. Even more, the universities strive hard in creating an online learning model that focuses majorly on the success of students and therefore, place them at the center of all their decisions.The online learning providers even ensure that the commitment of students to their online degrees and courses is supported all the time.
"The internet and technology have indeed made it possible for students to continue their education in any part of the world without any geographical constraints being imposed"
2. Accreditation and Credibility
A majority of students looking at pursuing online education have a common doubt- if the online courses hold the same relevance and reputation as classroom learning programs. A good thing to know for all such students is that the online education holds exactly the same value as regular education these days. There is no disparity, whatsoever, in any mode of learning. The career opportunities available to the students of online programs and regular classroom programs are also the same.
3. Learning Resources
In case there are doubts concerning the resources that are made available for the learning of students, the students must know that the best of tutors are assigned by universities to conduct classes for online students. Also, the use of all the latest and advanced learning resources is deployed which includes videos and texts, web conferences, simulations, discussion threads and online learning communities.
Final Words
With physical, cultural and educational borders becoming less rigid; the online education is allowing universities and colleges to make a major contribution to learning in today's time. The universities and institutions offering online courses and programs are producing high-quality graduates ready to unleash their power at the workplaces. Thus, online education is a breakthrough model for higher education that has enabled lifelong learning in today's increasingly networked world and offers quality education that is highly personal and conducive to student's success.
Perminder Singh Malik
Perminder Singh Malik, Founder of DLP India, is an educational visionary and Edtech Entrepreneur who possesses an industry experience of more than 20 years. Having awarded various reputed industry certifications, he has also been shortlisted as one of the top 30 entrepreneurs for 'Accelerating Entrepreneurs Program 2015' by Ernst & Young. He is also an Advisor to various prestigious Educational organizations.
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