Both recent high school graduates and nontraditional learners can take advantage of online classes. Online courses offer flexibility, affordable tuition, and a variety of academic opportunities.
1. Flexible Schedule
For many learners, the primary benefit of online learning involves scheduling flexibility. Careerline’s online courses allow students to start a course immediately – no specific enrollment deadlines. In other cases, students can select between a traditional 16-week course and an accelerated eight-week course. This page highlights asynchronous courses’ advantages.
2. Lower Costs
Many prospective students overlook the cost advantages of online classes. Although online learners may pay the same per-credit tuition rate as on-campus certificate-seekers, they do not pay for on-campus housing or meal plans. Learners also save time and money by eliminating a commute.
Other cost savings include cheaper textbooks, especially if online learners can purchase digital versions or even make use of free online resource materials.
3. More Suitable Learning Environment
With the ability to study anywhere, online learners can complete coursework at home, a coffee shop, or a library. This advantage of online learning allows students to work in the environment that best suits them.
4. Pacing Options
Before taking an online course, learners should understand three terms that can define the online learning experience:
- Asynchronous: refers to a course that does not hold scheduled meetings. Students complete work at convenient times but must still meet assignment deadlines.
- Synchronous: synchronous online courses maintain set meeting times where the professor instructs learners over Zoom or another video conferencing service.
- Accelerated: refers to courses that last fewer than 16 weeks. Accelerated courses post the same academic requirements and work best for learners with no external work or family obligations.
Here at Careerline courses, our courses follow an asynchronous study model – students are allowed to complete their courses at their own pace and convenience, within a specific period (usually 1-2 years).
5. Geographic Flexibility
Another advantage of online education that relates to flexibility involves prospective students’ geographic location. Many of the nation’s top colleges and universities offer online degrees and certificates, meaning that learners do not have to relocate to attend a premier school. They do not incur moving expenses since they can study from any location. This flexibility also saves money, as the cost of living among different cities can vary greatly.
6. Career Advancement
Non-traditional learners enjoy two significant advantages of online classes related to career advancement. First, a certificate can qualify an employee for a raise. Second, some companies restrict management-level positions to employees who possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Earning qualifications can lead to a promotion that may also involve increased wages.
Besides tangible career benefits, most online certificates also allow learners to continue working while they study. Students can work during the day and complete coursework in the evenings or on the weekends. Additionally, learners who work can apply new knowledge and skills to their job immediately.
7. Improve Your Technical Skills
Learning online can help students hone the technical skills they need on the job. New skills can include the ability to use new software suites, perform in-depth research online, and communicate effectively online in various formats. Employers often demand these skills as more and more positions require employees to work remotely. Students can also add new skills to a resume and discuss them during a job interview.