Flexibility & Convenience: Benefits of Online Education
Posted on 12.12.2016
Ready for the next installment in our Benefits of Online Education series? So far we’ve looked at our entire Top 10 List and the benefits of Choice and Savings. Today we’re going to take a look at the next two benefits on our list… drum roll, please… flexibility and convenience!
It seems that flexibility and convenience are becoming the buzz words of our day and age. Everywhere you look there’s a new product that claims to make your life more convenient or a social discussion on the need for flexibility—in the workplace, the home, society in general, etc. There’s no question that our modern pace of life demands that we find flexible and convenient solutions in almost every aspect of our lives—and education is no different.
Flexibility
Fitting school in around work and family responsibilities can be a real challenge. Going back to school with an online career training program gives students the flexibility to study on the schedule that fits their lives.
As we touched on in our last post, online programs hold the biggest appeal for non-traditional students—those who are going back to school after years away. They’re typically older and they have work and/or family responsibilities that keep them busy and limit their opportunities to attend class. Flexibility is a HUGE requirement for them, which is why online training fits the bill so well.
Online education offers students the opportunity to study whenever it fits into their lives—whether that’s at 5 a.m. before the kids wake up, on their lunch hour, or for a few hours late at night. Students no longer have to worry about missing class because of work or missing a parent-teacher conference because they had to study. Online education allows students to fit education into their lives instead of re-organizing their lives around education.
Convenience
Online training makes education more convenient for students living in rural areas, those with health concerns or disabilities, and those who frequently travel or move.
It’s not always easy to get to class. You may have to commute long distances, battle with health problems that make it hard to go out, juggle babysitting or daycare schedules, fit classes in around frequent business trips, or any number of things. Online training makes education more convenient.
Online education has opened up training opportunities to many who were traditionally underserved by higher education institutions. By shortening the commute to simply a walk to the computer, providing the opportunity to study when you’re feeling your best, letting students learn when their children are occupied or napping, and allowing frequent travelers to study no matter where they are, convenient online training has made it possible for nearly anyone to go back to school.
There’s no denying that flexibility and convenience are huge drivers behind the demand for online education, but what have you seen in your experience? Are students truly looking for flexible and convenient education options or are these just nice perks?
In our next Benefits of Online Education post we’ll take a look at instructor and student interaction and networking opportunities. See you next time!
I realized with my work schedule and art work schedule, online classes are best for me
The flexibility is great for my schedule
Online class was the only option I considered when wanting to update my skills. I have been out of the work environment for many years and find myself needing to rejoin the work force. However, being an “older” adult attending classes at a college was not going to work for me, where online classes fit my daily schedule perfectly and I enjoy the self paced environment.
Tesa, we are happy to hear that you have found a solution! Taking online classes can be beneficial for adult learners because of the flexibility! You can study anywhere you want to at your own pace.
Getting an online education sounds like a great idea. I love the fact that it can be so flexible with my schedule. With three kids, I definitely wouldn’t be able to go to school during the day!
Ridley, that is one of the many reasons our students choose Career Step! For many, it is easier to study online rather than go to a local school for career training.
Love flexability
I appreciate being able to work on my education at my pace and a convenient time for me and my schedule.
Awesome! Thank you for your feedback!
Online course made easier learning for any background of people and every walks of life.It made easier learning for those who are crippled.
Thank you for your comments!
I am extremely busy working a 40 hour week job and caring for my family. I have to have flexibility to study and do class work 24 hours a day. Online classes are a life saver for me.
Hi Kellykog, keep up the good work! We are proud of you!!!
Realizing that we are always learning to live better, will awaken our understanding that we can enlarge our experience by deciding to formally learn anything we’re interested in, or that we need to increase our understanding of.
I’ve been unable to drive for 6 months due to a medical disability and the convenience of on-line learning has allowed me to brush up on skills despite not being able to make it to the traditional classroom at my local community college. On line learning is a great equalizer, erasing boundaries of urban/rural, the disabled and the able-bodied. I just hope that the online course provider that I’m going to take courses from puts as much thought as possible into how to make the course a”problem-solving” course where the learner is constructing knowledge rather than simply passively acquiring it and then regurgitating it on brainless multiple choice, or true-false exams. I’m hopeful and can only know by trying.
Kate, we agree, online learning is a great equalizer and is a perfect fit for many people for a variety of reasons. We offer online career training programs in healthcare, administration, technology, and other continuing education programs that are developed by experts and contain practical experience to help you succeed.
For example, our Medical Transcription program is broken into modules, or course subjects, with the first half devoted to building your knowledge base while the second half is an extensive practicum designed to help you gain the practical experience you need to smoothly transition into the workplace after graduation.
Please feel free to contact our team of Academic Advisors directly at 1-800-411-7073 with any questions you might have. They would love to help you find a career training program that’s right for you.
Hope that helps! Best wishes. 🙂
Awesome Benefits, thanks for sharing
You go at your own pace.
great course
I work overseas so this is the best for me.
The blog you shared is really helpful in understanding the advantages of online education. Thanks for sharing such a nice blog.
Having started two non-profit organizations in my lifetime I was unexpectedly asked to assist my son in his new and growing for-profit business. Having some background experience in business, I accepted the challenge. I realized however that I would need help learning how to navigate in a different type of business that I was accustomed too. I’m currently working two part-time jobs and the online classes is my best and only option to gain the knowledge I’m going to need to assist him. I’m so very grateful for online classes and the advantages they pose.
I find online courses very convenient because it allowed me to pace myself appropriately. I like that I don’t have to travel.
Matthew, I’m glad you appreciate the convenience of online education, I couldn’t agree more.
Have a great day!
I’m so grateful to be in an online school, because it’s have all the helpful tools that with encourage you and make u learn to become someone in the future.
Online courses are great because one can study on a schedule that fits their needs. Online education provides an opportunity for students to continue where learning on their schedule and their pace.
Great blog!! thanks for sharing this information, this has really helped me as I was thinking of Online homeschooling for my children and I had doubt that is been cleared with this article. Thanks for sharing such great information this would definitely help a lot of parents who are things of starting online schooling for their children.
This article summarizes why I am taking my first online class.
The flexibility to complete learning online is very convenient for me. As a business owner, I can learn at my own pace. My schedule doesn’t allow me to be in a classroom setting, yet I am sure that the instructors highly qualified, This article addresses this important fact.
I am excited about the flexibility and convenience of online learning.
The Covid pandemic forced me to work with students remotely. Doing that has perked my interest to take a course online that interests me. I have to put into practice what I use to tell the students to be independent and disciplined to work on my online class. I look forward to embarking on a new way of learning.
FYI: I cannot access the Articles due to an error in the data base connection.
Can’t wait to get started and experience online learning.
Can’t wait to get started.
This is an exciting time, Lisa. Welcome!
Hope this works and I learn all I can. This is exciting!
I am excited to learn all on can with this online course that I have signed up with on Universal class to be able to excel at my current employer; not to mention grateful for online learning due to a very busy everyday life schedule with being able to complete at my own pace.
I am excited to find this website.
I’m 30 and finally looking into something different. I have a busy schedule. I was not sure where to start, taking online classes gave me options and variety. A great step to new learning!
I couldn’t agree more when you said that online classes are more convenient for people who have disabilities. My niece has an on-going physical therapy right now and she won’t be able to attend face-to-face classes at the moment. In addition to that, there is also the risk of Covid-19, so online classes are also convenient in terms of safety. With that being said, my niece aims to be in the restaurant industry so I’ll make sure to enroll her in an online hospitality training program.
Finally, getting to start this course.
Online learning is nowadays an essential part of learning. Especially after the rise of the current pandemic, I think most people have gotten accustomed to some level of online learning and education. I personally find it very useful and can not do without online learning. With my busy schedule working, it is great form me! Thanks
Flexibility is key for me in taking online courses.