More students are signing up for online courses than ever before – research shows that last year, just over 1 in 10 people in the UK participated in an online course. Partly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are realising the advantages of online learning – and if you’re reading this, there’s probably a chance that you’re considering taking an online course too!
Completing an online course is a great way to explore a new interest, and potentially take the first steps to start a new career. However, you might be wondering if they are worth it, especially if you’ve only ever experienced face-to-face learning. With this in mind, here is our list of some main benefits of online courses.
Setting your own schedule
One of the biggest advantages of an online course is that the content is available 24/7, which means you can study at a time that works best for you. In-person courses take place on certain days and times, which doesn’t offer much flexibility for students with busy schedules. By taking an online course, you can still enjoy the full learning experience of being a student, but without the time constraints.
Learning at your own pace
Although some online courses have live classes, our course programmes at IT Career Swap offers students an entirely independent learning experience. However, tutors are available whenever you need help with the course. This means you can learn at a speed you’re comfortable with, without the pressure of keeping up with other students. Our courses can be completed in around 6 weeks on average, but you have access to their content for 1 year, so you can take as long as you need to complete your studies.
A more comfortable learning environment
Another benefit of an online course is that you can study from the comfort of your own home, or any other location of your choice. Traditional classrooms can sometimes be distracting, so taking an online course gives you the freedom to work wherever you want. However, you should give yourself time to think about what kind of learning environment might work best for you. The main thing to look for when choosing a studying location is somewhere with a reliable internet connection and sufficient space, with as few distractions as possible.
Reduced costs
Although some online courses have a fee, in many cases they still work out cheaper than in-person classes. To attend a taught class, you might need to pay for books, travel, accommodation, childcare costs, and so on. When you do an online course, all of these are reduced or eliminated completely. Furthermore, many online courses offer payment options if you are unable to pay the full cost upfront, which makes the financial side of things much more manageable.
More independent learning
One of the main aspects of online learning is that you are entirely responsible for how much you learn, and at what speed. Although tutors are on hand to provide support, there is no need to worry about falling behind other students, or feeling like you’re moving ahead of the rest of the class. If you prefer to learn and study independently, doing an online course could be right for you.
Career progression
Completing an online course is a great way to learn a new skill or build on your existing knowledge. Some online courses are officially accredited and come with recognised qualifications upon completion, which can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. For example, our Cyber Security course offers certifications from CompTia, Cisco and more, and many of our students have gone on to begin rewarding careers in I.T. after finishing their studies with us. Check out some of their success stories here!
Final thoughts
We hope this has given you some insight into the advantages of online learning, and that you are now inspired to sign up for an online course!
If you’re interested in learning more about the I.T. field, we have a range of courses for any specialisation, from cyber security to web development. If you’re not sure which path is right for you, check out our blog article with details about each course here. If you want more information, feel free to take a look at our course catalogue over on our website, or call us on 0203 982 7573 to speak with a member of our team today!