Is it a good idea to opt for a course online? Or should you stick to face-to-face classes? If you are on this page, chances that you are contemplating joining an online course are high. But you are still skeptical since you don’t have any prior experience of studying online. Students who have always taken face-to-face classes are slightly apprehensive in the beginning, and this is absolutely normal. Even a tech-savvy student does not know where to begin and how they should proceed. However, with a large number of amazing free online courses from universities growing in number, you know that these definitely have some perks. Here are five important advantages to studying online:
1. Career advancement and hobbies
Online courses allow flexibility. You have the option of fitting your work schedule and hobbies around coursework as per your convenience. Furthermore, if you enroll for an asynchronous class – an online class that does not have fixed timings for live sessions and you can coordinate with your instructor as and when you want – you can manage much more than just your online course.
With an online course, you can gain more work experience and by the time your course ends, you will have learned new skills that help with career advancement. In fact, you can also use an online course to earn a 6-figure passive income. How’s that?
2. Flexible environment
When you study online, you are in charge of your learning environment. You can choose your bedroom, your study, or even the cafe across the street as per your needs. Won’t it be awesome listening to your instructor’s lecture while working out on the treadmill?
An online course also saves time on commuting. You don’t have to travel on the bus, instead, you can spend time studying on the couch.
3. Lower costs and debts
Studying online means that you pay for tuition fees, some books, an online registration fee, and some other expenses. You need a computer device and a working internet connection to continue the course. However, what you save on when compared with a face-to-face course are accommodation charges. You don’t have to incur the costs of housing and transportation, which means lower costs and more savings.
4. Self-discipline
Being self-disciplined is definitely advantageous. Taking up an online course implies self-motivation and time-management skills. This is because you need to invest time in studying without someone else attending to you physically. You are responsible for your own efforts and there’s no one to push you. This trait of being self-disciplined and responsible will help you to stand out in the workplace and go a long way with you in the future.
5. Variety of topics
When you decide to take a course, where it is available also impacts your decision greatly. This can restrict the choice of subjects. Studying online eliminates this constraint since you can conveniently sign up for any course without worrying about the location of the university or institution. With an online course, you can focus on the subject you are interested in and select from the wide range of courses and programs available online.
