The stiff competition in the job market and the need to secure current positions is making people enroll for higher education. Adult learners include senior citizens, veterans, people working full time, and those with a family or other dependents. This is the group of people changing the trend of higher education with online and distance learning. It is no wonder that enrollment for distance learning degrees and certification programs is increasing. Below are some of the benefits of online study for adult learners.
Scheduling freedom and flexibility
Parents and those already working fulltime to support dependents, there is no need to schedule weekly classroom lectures during traditional education. Online learning comes with the luxury of having ample time to spend the weekend hanging out with family and friends. This is unlike traditional education where you have to worry about spending afternoons in the school library or group discussions with other students for class assignments.
Online learning comes with various conveniences. You can track the progress of your course and read messages on the student message board conveniently. The online learning portal is available for logging in 24/7 throughout the year. You can schedule your classes to match your lifestyle without missing important moments with family and friends. Additionally, online learning avoids leaving your employer in a tight spot. Choosing your study schedule allows capitalizing every convenient moment to accomplish their studies including while others are sleeping.
Affordability
The tuition for online learning in UK is usually cheaper than campus-based learning. Additionally, online study is free from living and transport costs. You study from your regular home without renting accommodation near the university campus. Additionally, there is no need to budget for transport regularly to attend classes. You have all your classes from the confines of your place of convenience at your best time.
Another feature that enhances the affordability of online study is eliminating other additional costs including childcare. You keep your regular job without cutting work hours and accepting lower pay. This ensures that you remain earning enough to cater to the needs of your family. Online learning embraces virtual learning without spending on fuel or commuting.
Related: 7 Things You Need to Consider Before Enrolling in An Online Degree
Less likely to drop out
Traditional education involves various inconveniences that encourage higher dropout rates . The high cost of regular study makes people with poor financial backgrounds unable to access it. Apart from the high tuition cost, it has other costs including hostel accommodation, transport, books, and time to attend classes. People without enough resources to finance all these costs are more likely to drop out.
Fortunately, online study is flexible and very convenient. You set a study routine matching your lifestyle for a personalised learning experience matching your pace. This enhances knowledge absorption and retention to make education fun. Additionally, online study doesn’t come with various costs associated with regular study such as hostel, transport, and study material costs. This makes education accessible to adult learners regardless of financial background.
Enhanced career prospects
Increasing competition in the job market makes it imperative to have better qualifications to compete favourably and to keep your position. Having better documents makes you qualify for a promotion at work. Getting back to school the traditional way is not an option. It would require taking the time off work to attend classes. This costs more time and money while affecting your current position.
Fortunately, online learning allows earning your degree conveniently and cheaply. There is no need to attend regular classes and you study at your own schedule. This makes it so easy to move up the career ladder or to switch careers. Online study makes getting the appropriate degree to advance your career hassle-free.
Takes less time
Earning a degree the traditional way takes a minimum of about three years. This has endless course work, class assignments, and group projects. When you need a higher degree to upgrade or to qualify for a promotion, taking the traditional way is a very long process. By the time you earn the degree, the market trends are likely to have changed and the promotion offer is obviously not going to be available.
To get a degree online is a quicker solution to getting a degree. An online degree is ideal when having a pending promotion or planning to switch careers. Getting this degree takes a few months compared to the number of years it takes to get a regular degree. The best thing is that an accredited online degree is widely recognized by employers just like one earned the traditional way.
Wrapping up
Adult learners usually have responsibilities at work and families to look after. Amidst this, there is a need to remain competitive at work with the right papers. With less time on your hands, an online degree is a good idea. You keep your current job, spend less, and study at your own schedule.
Amenorhu kwaku is an author, internet marketer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of SuccessValley, a network community for students and aspiring entrepreneurs. He is also the founder of Republik City News and Whoop, a news portal and a business directory.
