With the technological advancements and human need to evolve and learn, online learning has drastically increased. In recent years, the benefits of online learning have been tested, and it has proved to be an effective tool to allow people to learn more and at their own pace.
Many online learning platforms seem to be offering flexible online learning, further helping the industry grow. This new learning environment helps create flexibility and ease for students where they can now pursue a course from the comfort of their own homes.
So, what exactly is a flexible online learning environment, and how can it benefit you professionally and as a student? Keep on reading to see the answers.
What Are Flexible Online Learning Environments?
Earlier, learning opportunities were only deemed for college or university students. However, this trend is all set to change. Today, even professionals and job-seekers are recognizing the value and several benefits of online learning.
There are a lot of elements and benefits to online learning. For instance, it allows students to take better charge of their routine and learn at a pace that benefits them. This is one reason why we witnessed a significant 43.1% rise in 2016 in online learning.
The best online colleges allow them to interact with diverse people and work independently or collaboratively on projects. Some of these examples include doing more minor activities like literature circles, collaborative learning through group presentations, and many more that help promote the students’ productivity, including independent work.
How Does A Flexible Online Learning Environment Work?
There are various formats when it comes to online learning. The most common one is synchronous, meaning that the classes should be attended by all the students simultaneously, and they get access to all the materials collectively.
In these courses, the material is shared through PowerPoint, videos, or presentations at the same time to all the students. Moreover, they must submit the assignments and complete the tests within the time allotted to them.
The other type of online learning is where the students have complete autonomy to learn at their own pace. They have access to all the resources and lectures present on the portals and can master them from anywhere where they feel comfortable.
In any case, flexible online learning environments have many benefits that cater to a wide range of people, including students and even professionals looking to learn something new alongside their regular jobs.
Advantages of Flexible Online Learning Environments
Learn wherever you want
When we talk about flexible online learning environments, the most significant advantage of the mind is no barrier to going to a physical location. We all know that there can be several barriers to pursuing a course if it’s happening at a physical location. For instance, you might not be a resident of that area, and that can limit you from enhancing your skill knowledge.
This way, they can expand their social network and educational learning beyond the limitation of going to a university or learning center.
In a traditional classroom environment, it is not possible to teach a topic again to those students who might not have understood it in the first go, as the students who understood it before creating problems and do not pay as much attention to it.
Online learning allows the instructor to pull those students into a small group and re-teach the topic again if need be. This is also one of the reasons why online learning has observed an increase in the retention rate.
Take classes at your own pace
Another significant advantage is that online learning provides flexibility when it comes to timings. With online learning, people can arrange their schedules as they like without worrying about how they would attend the courses. Especially people who are working can easily manage their time and employment along with the courses they have opted for.
Moreover, it seems to provide excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs who can use this flexibility to increase their knowledge, which can help them grow even more. They can look for coaching and programs that suit their interests and needs.
Learn affordably
These online programs seem to be more effective and affordable than college courses people take. While the fees of the courses offered might be the same, there are so many other costs that online learning has helped save. These include the costs of commuting and buying books and notes.
In an online learning environment, you can better control your financial budget. It allows better opportunities for students and new job seekers to save money. This way, they can invest that saved money to further enhance their knowledge and skills.
Explore multiple courses
Another notable benefit of flexible online learning is that multiple courses are now being offered online. You can simply go to the website and enroll yourself. In fact, you will find various courses that can help you learn a new skill or build upon a previous one. These courses can be free or paid, so you’ll have a diverse range to select from.
Furthermore, the university and the online platforms that are offering these courses accept different payment methods. This way, it provides more ease for payments.
With the increasing number of people that support online learning, the industry’s prediction that online learning will pass $370 billion by 2026 might come true.
Final Thoughts
It seems that online learning is the future and will encourage more people and students to pursue learning. Moreover, mobile platforms have provided additional access to people who are choosing online learning. Because of it, people can take classes on the go and learn wherever and whenever they want.
After all, a flexible online learning environment has also opened up gateways to incorporate machine learning as well. This would work especially well for both enterprises and universities who can now incorporate machine learning to enhance the skill-learning experience as well.
Courtesy: HIGHER EDUCATION Review