We live in a digital world, one in which technology dominates every aspect of society and dictates our day-to-day lives. From the dependence on smartphones and sat navs to apple watches, digital technologies are an integral part of our world. The education system and learning environment have been re-invented throughout the 21st Century as use of the Internet has grown to become as common as having a cup of tea.
Changes in the Learning Environment
The revolution of education is one of the most notable changes which has occurred in the digital age. Traditional learning methods have been challenged in schools and universities, which has resulted in a wide array of notable changes. The whiteboard has swapped the projector and iPads replaced the jotter, resulting in tangible differences which demonstrate that the traditional education system has truly succumbed to the digital age.
Benefits of Online Learning
The internet and e-learning have significantly opened up learning opportunities making it no longer necessary to learn only in a face-to-face environment. The following are just some of the many benefits of online learning in the digital age:
Learning about anything
Online courses enable you to study whatever you want; whether that is a specific period in history or a course in algebra, there will be a particular course that suits your interests. Education providers, including prestigious universities, provide online courses as education must be available to everyone.
Flexible schedule and environment
Formal education restricts flexibility, whereas online courses are designed to to fit in with your life so you can work your learning around other commitments such as work. Young people do not respond well to one specific teaching method, such as being in a large lecture hall or through collaborative learning; therefore, online educational resources provide students with an alternative learning option.
Self-discipline and responsibility
Online learning requires strong discipline as you are completely responsible for your own learning experience. Motivation and independent study are excellent learning tools that can be translated into other areas of life such as the workplace.
Attending a higher education institution incurs a steep expense, especially if you have to move to a different town or city away from your friends and family. In many instances, university students have extremely low contact hours which does not justify the cost of moving away. Distance education, therefore, helps to eliminate such barriers hence the growth and popularity of online courses in recent years, allowing individuals to receive a high-quality education and learn at their own pace.
Developing skill sets
Online learning encourages students to develop a range of skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and creative thinking.
Overcoming social barriers
As well as overcoming physical obstacles, digital learning also eliminates social problems. For example, in certain countries, young women are barred from accessing education and some individuals who are disabled or ill may be unable to attend university; therefore, distance learning significantly enhances individual learners’ educational opportunities.
Importance of Online Learning for the Workplace
As well as the multitude of benefits that online learning brings, the most important advantage is its potential to help your future career in the real world.
Work e-learning training
Employers greatly value their employees to be competent in the use of information technology and new technologies. In many jobs, companies will train employees through e-learning. Therefore it is expected that employees are familiar with learning technologies. Web-based learning greatly reduces the cost and time that it takes to train new employees and provides a more flexible solution that allows employees to train at their desktops at their own pace.
The ability to share information with colleagues
Being familiar with communication technologies means that you will feel confident in your IT skills as you have successfully navigated education systems. There are many platforms such as Slack which encourage the sharing of information amongst colleagues to enhance both workplace morale and business efficiency. Experience in instant messaging platforms will ensure that you can connect with colleagues outside of the office.
Digital record-keeping and administration
Online learning means that employers can keep a track of who has completed online training and at any time admin staff can log in and ensure that employees have started and finished their training.
Collaboration and community building
Features such as discussion forums and live tutorials are excellent at engaging colleagues and encouraging employees to foster collaboration and team culture which has benefits beyond the training environment.
Immediate feedback and recognition
Immediate results from online assessments help employees to gauge how well they are doing, and what sections of learning material they might need to revise before moving on.
Online learning is not only an inseparable component of the digital age but it’s also increasingly important to take advantage of. As more aspects of our lives become digitally-enabled and the world changes rapidly, it’s crucial for us all to stay on top of our learning and upskilling efforts. While we may not be able to commit to lengthy in-class courses, we can all benefit from the wide range of online courses available.
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