8 Reasons Why You Should Study Online
With rising costs, longer commutes, and budget cuts affecting student life these days, it’s no wonder more and more people are looking to take courses online. The increasingly positive reputation of online courses makes it an appealing choice for students. Here are 8 reasons why you should reconsider traditional college and sign up for online courses instead.
- Less cost involved
Tuition rates are ever climbing, budget cuts to schools are forcing students to make up the cost differences, student loan interest rates are skyrocketing, and rent in city centers continue to go up. How are students supposed to afford college enrolment anymore?
Simple: by taking online courses.
The total costs of taking online courses are much less than traditional college costs when you factor in accommodation and regular cost of living expenses like transit fees and meal plans. While the courses and textbooks themselves may be roughly the same price, you won’t be spending all that extra cash living on campus or commuting in every day.
- Variety of courses available
There are extensive course selections available for certifications, diplomas, degrees, and even masters degrees, ranging from business administration to public safety, and everything in between – here is one example of a reputable college that offers a safety masters degree online. Almost any course you can think of has an online course version somewhere in the world, so the only factor holding you back from taking that course is yourself.
- More flexibility
Online courses mean flexibility since you build your own class schedule and can sign on to your lecture at your convenience from anywhere you’re comfortable learning from. You can continue to workor raise a family while you learn. You can sign on to your lecture and listen to your professor while you’re at the gym sitting on the bike. You can do homework assignments from home, at a cafe, or on the road, and submit them anytime (as long as it’s before the due date!) without having to rush to give it to your professor physically. Plus the course material is always available, so you can easily revisit it if you missed it or if you just want to review.
- Multiple ways to contact your professor
If you’ve ever taken a course in a traditional post-secondary learning environment, you may know the frustrations of trying to get in contact with your professor or instructor. Face-to-face meetings with your professor in traditional learning-style colleges are usually booked during their office hours, which can be incredibly inconvenient for you and your schedule. With online learning, your professor is available via email, live chat, or by phone, and most likely has broader availability to give feedback or answer any questions you may have.
- Increased responsibility
Your first thought might have been, “added responsibility is a disadvantage, not an advantage!” which may be true for some, but think about it this way: if you need to be more disciplined to take an online course, you will become more self-motivated and grow that skill. Being a self-starter is a huge advantage in the job market, as employers seek out people with this skill.
- More opportunity for discussion
In a face-to-face learning environment, you may be in a lecture hall with hundreds or even thousands of other students. How are you supposed to engage? Or, maybe your class sizes are smaller but your professor doesn’t give the class time to discuss ideas or ask questions, so the onus is on you and your classmates to meet outside of class time, which might not be possible for you. Online learning gives you the opportunity to have an open forum or host discussions with your online peers via chat forums or live discussion sites. You’re able to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss course material anytime, anywhere.
- More eco-friendly
Are you concerned about your environmental footprint? Living on campus in a dorm or off campus with roommates has more of an environmental impactthan online learning. Consider the commute you would have to make, or the energy spent on things like electricity (lights in dorms you can’t turn off or thermostats you have no control over) or food waste (potential lack of composting available), just to name a few.
- Ability to transfer credits
For any students wanting to take courses over the summer, or want to take courses from an accredited college that is just too far away, the option to transfer your credits to a college closer to you is there. This can also be beneficial for students who are looking to take specific courses that their current school doesn’t offer. If another school offers those courses online, you can take them and then transfer your credits to your college to have them count towards your degree. Make sure to do your research or speak to your academic advisor to ensure the credits you want can actually be transferred before fully committing to the course just in case!
